- Patients
- Exploring cancer care
- Conditions we treat
- Blood cancer
- Hodgkin's lymphoma
What is Hodgkin lymphoma?
Chapter 01
What is Hodgkin lymphoma?
Hodgkin lymphoma which is also referred to as Hodgkin disease, is a type of lymphoma - a term used for cancer of the lymphatic system.1,2 It is named after the doctor who first discovered the disease.2
The lymphatic system is made up of organs, vessels and tissues and some its more notable functions include:3
- Maintain fluid balance
- Absorption and transport of dietary fat
- Production of immune cells to help fight infections – especially adaptive immunity.
The lymphatic system contains white blood cells called lymphocytes.3 Hodgkin lymphoma starts in these lymphocytes and causes abnormal lymphocytes, which typically reside in the lymph glands.1,2
Hodgkin lymphoma is less common than non-Hodgkin lymphoma; non-Hodgkin lymphoma accounts for approximately 90% of lymphoma cases.4
There are two main types of Hodgkin lymphoma, classical Hodgkin lymphoma (CHL) and nodular lymphocyte predominant Hodgkin lymphoma (NLPHL).5
Within CHL, there are four subcategories:2,5
- Nodular sclerosis Hodgkin lymphoma
- Mixed cellularity Hodgkin lymphoma
- Lymphocyte-rich classic Hodgkin lymphoma
- Lymphocyte-depleted Hodgkin lymphoma
Nodular lymphocytic predominant Hodgkin lymphoma (NLPHL) – Generally regarded as being rare, tends to be slower growing (than classical Hodgkin lymphoma), and occurs more in males, usually young to middle age.2,5
Hodgkin lymphoma symptoms can be minimal or vague.2 The most common symptom tends to be painless swelling in a lymph node, in for example the neck, armpit or groin.2 Other symptoms may include:2
- Fever
- Night sweats
- Unexplained weight loss
- Fatigue
- Persistent coughing
- Shortness of breath
- Itchy skin
Some symptoms of Hodgkin lymphoma are referred to as ‘B symptoms’ and may include:2
- Frequent, unexplained fevers
- Regular night sweats that leave you drenched
- Losing large amounts of weight very quickly
Having any of these symptoms doesn’t mean you have Hodgkin lymphoma, but you should see your doctor for a check-up.
It’s not known what causes Hodgkin lymphoma.1,2 However, some factors appear to increase the risk of getting the disease, including:6
- Genetics
- Family history
- Certain viruses - the Epstein-Barr virus which causes glandular fever, and HIV are associated with a minority of Hodgkin lymphoma cases
- Weakened immune system
- Smoking
- Obesity
If you have one or any of these symptoms it doesn't mean that you have Hodgkin lymphoma. If you have any questions or concerns please speak with your GP or specialist.
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Diagnosis
Chapter 02
Diagnosing Hodgkin lymphoma
A range of tests may be performed to analyse symptoms, to diagnose Hodgkin lymphoma, and the disease stage.2 Following a physical examination which may include an assessment of any swelling in lymph nodes in the neck, underarm and groin, further tests may include:2,7
- Blood tests
- Imaging tests - These may include magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), computed tomography (CT) scan, ultrasound, or a positron emission tomography (PET) scan of the body to check for tumours and if they have metastasised
- Biopsy - Is considered to be the most common test for Hodgkin lymphoma. Some of the tissue from an enlarged lymph node is removed for analysis
- Bone marrow biopsy - On occasion a bone marrow biopsy may be performed to analyse whether there are any cancerous cells present in the bone marrow
Treatment options
Chapter 03
Treatment options for Hodgkin lymphoma
Treatment recommended for Hodgkin lymphoma usually depends on a number of factors including overall health, age, type, and disease stage. Treatment for Hodgkin lymphoma can include:2
These options are often recommended with the aim being to help improve the results. Your doctor will discuss treatment options with you.
Other treatments may include:2
- Immunotherapy
- Stem cell or bone marrow transplant
- Steroids
- Targeted therapy.
Side effects
Chapter 04
Potential side effects
Cancer treatment often results in side effects - yet the type and severity of side effects may vary between individuals.8,9 You can ask your doctor for detailed information around side effects and how to best manage them.
The following list may help when researching the types of activities and nutrition you can consider during treatment.10 Your treating doctor can also provide further information, or point you towards the right resources:
- Get as much rest as possible
- Aim for a wholefood, varied diet, and we also encourage you to think about eating foods that interest you rather than what you think you should eat
- Appetite changes are common, and you may experience taste changes or nausea. Help manage this by eating small, frequent snacks and avoiding smells that make you nauseous
- Drink lots of water
- Reach out to support groups and others who have had cancer treatment
- Record your side effects in a diary or journal
- Speak to your doctor about incorporating some gentle exercise into your weekly routine
- It is important to acknowledge when you are fatigued and rest when you need to
- Ask for and accept help from family, friends and neighbours
- Be open with employers about your treatment and discuss flexible working options if you need them.
Treatment with GenesisCare
Chapter 05
Learn more about patient care at GenesisCare
We understand that a cancer diagnosis can be emotional and life changing.11 It’s natural to feel disbelief, shock, anxiety, sadness, anger and loneliness.12 Our care team will aim to know your name and get to know who you are as a person. Your nursing team and oncology team are here to support you before, during and after your cancer treatment. We are here to guide you and to help get the support you need which may include a psychologist, exercise physiologist, physiotherapist, and dietitian.
If you have any enquiries about our centres or services, please contact your local centre team. You are able to view a list of our centres here.
Helpful services
Chapter 06
Other helpful services
Other Hodgkin lymphoma information, resources and support services are available to assist you during your cancer journey. These include:
Cancer Council
Tel: 13 11 20
cancer.org.au
Australian Cancer Research Foundation
Tel: 02 9223 7833
acrf.com.au
Leukaemia Foundation
Tel: 1800 620 420
leukaemia.org.au
Lymphoma Australia
https://www.lymphoma.org.au/
Read Next
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Our centres
In Australia, we have more than 40 oncology centres in metro and regional Queensland, New South Wales, Victoria, South Australia, and Western Australia.
Page
Our doctors
Our experienced, specialised doctors offer bespoke, dedicated care aiming to provide the best possible clinical outcomes.
Treatment
Radiation therapy
Radiation therapy uses high energy X-rays or other particles to treat cancer and can be used at all stages.
Disclaimer
Any medical procedure or treatment involving the use of radiation carries risks, including skin irritation and associated pain. Before proceeding with treatment, you should discuss the risks and benefits of the treatment with an appropriately qualified health practitioner. Individual treatment outcomes and experiences will vary.
- Kaseb, H & Babiker, HM. StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): Hodgkin Lymphoma. StatPearls Publishing; 2023 June (cited Feb. 2024). Access from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK499969/
- Cancer Council Australia [website]. Understanding Hodgkin Lymphoma. May 2019 [ cited Jan. 2024]. Access: https://www.cancer.org.au/assets/pdf/understanding-hodgkin-lymphoma-booklet
- Ozdowski, L & Gupta, V. StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): Physiology, Lymphatic System StatPearls Publishing; 2023 May (cited Feb. 2024). Access from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK557833/
- Australian Government. Cancer Australia. Lymphoma [website]. Cited Jan. 2024. Access from: https://www.canceraustralia.gov.au/cancer-types/lymphoma/overview
- Jiang, M. et al Expert Rev Hematol. 2017; 10(3): 239–49.
- Huang, J. et al. J Hematol Oncol. 2022; 15: 57
- Paquin, AR. et al. Eur J Haematol. 2023; 110(1): 3–13.
- Cancer Council Australia [website]. Cancer side effects. Cited Jan. 2024. Access: https://www.cancer.org.au/cancer-information/cancer-side-effects
- National Cancer Institute. U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Side Effects of Cancer Treatment [webpage}. [Cited Oct. 2023]. Access from: https://www.cancer.gov/about-cancer/treatment/side-effects
- Cancer Council Australia [website]. Nutrition for People Living with Cancer. Page last updated July 2022 [cited Jan. 2024]. Access: https://www.cancer.org.au/assets/pdf/nutrition-and-cancer-booklet
- Cancer Council Australia [website]. Does cancer only cause physical changes? [cited Jan. 2024]. Access: https://www.cancer.org.au/iheard/does-cancer-only-cause-physical-changes
- Cancer Council Australia [website]. After a diagnosis. [cited Jan. 2024]. Access: https://www.cancer.org.au/cancer-information/after-a-diagnosis#