Hodgkin’s Lymphoma

Einstein Health Glossary

What is Hodgkin's lymphoma?

Hodgkin's lymphoma is a form of cancer that originates in the lymph nodes. These are small organs spread throughout the body that are part of the body's defense and fluid drainage system (the lymphatic system). The name comes from a discovery made in 1832 by British pathologist Thomas Hodgkin (1798–1866), after analyzing several people with cancer symptoms affecting the lymph nodes. This type of cancer was initially called "Hodgkin's disease," but by the end of the 20th century, it was renamed "Hodgkin's lymphoma."

In this disease, tumors spread through the body in an orderly manner, from one group of lymph nodes to another. The neck, armpits, and upper chest are the most frequently affected areas.

Symptoms

Hodgkin's disease can appear in any part of the body, and symptoms depend on its location. Some of them include:

swollen lymph nodes: small lumps may appear in areas where the lymphoma is present, such as the neck, armpits, and groin
cough and shortness of breath: may occur when the disease is located in the upper chest (thorax)
abdominal swelling and feeling of fullness: symptoms that appear when the disease develops in the abdominal and pelvic regions
fever: body temperature above 100.2 °F (37.9 °C)
itchy skin: may be accompanied by dry, scaly skin, redness, and small blisters that appear on the hands and/or feet
weight loss: a warning sign when it occurs without an apparent reason

These same symptoms may appear in other diseases. Therefore, it is essential to consult a healthcare professional to receive an accurate diagnosis.

Causes

The causes of Hodgkin's lymphoma are still not fully understood. However, studies indicate that the disease is not hereditary, meaning it is not passed from parents to children.

Some research suggests that infection with the Epstein-Barr virus, which causes infectious mononucleosis (also known as the “kissing disease”), may affect the DNA of some immune cells. This alteration can lead to the development of cancerous cells in Hodgkin's lymphoma.

Diagnosis

The diagnosis of Hodgkin's lymphoma is made through various tests, including:

biopsy: a procedure that involves removing a small tissue sample from the lymph node affected by cancer to analyze its cells under a microscope. This is considered a mandatory test for diagnosing the disease
imaging tests: especially PET-CT, which allows visualization of the inside of the body, are also used to confirm the presence of lymphoma and assess its location and extent (staging). It is also important for evaluating treatment response

Treatment

In most cases, Hodgkin's lymphoma can be cured. It is important to assess the extent of the disease to avoid overtreatment or undertreatment. The most common treatment approaches include:

polychemotherapy: a type of chemotherapy that involves the use of multiple drugs. These substances are injected into the patient’s vein to fight cancer cells and prevent their multiplication
radiotherapy: a treatment that may be used to complement polychemotherapy, using X-rays to destroy and prevent the growth of lymphoma cells
immunotherapy: either through conjugated antibodies or other forms of immune-based treatment
autologous hematopoietic stem cell transplant: used in relapsed cases as a consolidation treatment
allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplant: used in very well-selected relapsed cases after autologous transplant

Einstein Oncology and Hematology offers comprehensive care from diagnosis to treatment. Learn more.

Prevention

There are no known ways to prevent Hodgkin's lymphoma.

However, it is known that people with compromised immune systems—due to genetic diseases, HIV infection, or the use of immunosuppressive medications—have a slightly higher risk of developing the disease.

Therefore, maintaining a healthy lifestyle is important to ensure the health of the immune system and the body as a whole. This includes measures such as:

balanced diet: eating a diet rich in vegetables, legumes, and fruits, and avoiding ultra-processed foods (such as sodas, chips, and canned foods)
regular physical activity