Hodgkin Lymphoma

Hodgkin Lymphoma is a cancer of the lymphatic system characterized by the presence of Reed-Sternberg cells in affected lymph nodes. It typically presents as painless swelling in lymph nodes, often in the neck, armpits, or groin, and may also cause symptoms like fever, night sweats, unexplained weight loss, fatigue, and itchy skin. There are two main subtypes: classical Hodgkin lymphoma—which accounts for about 95% of cases and is divided into nodular sclerosis, mixed cellularity, lymphocyte-rich, and lymphocyte-depleted—and nodular lymphocyte-predominant Hodgkin lymphoma.

Risk factors include a history of Epstein-Barr virus infection, compromised immune system, and family predisposition. Diagnosis relies on lymph node biopsy to identify Reed-Sternberg cells. Treatments include chemotherapy, radiotherapy, and stem cell transplant, with high overall survival rates—around 80-88% for five-year survival if detected early. Hodgkin Lymphoma most commonly affects young adults between 15 and 35 years, and older adults over 50.