Lymphoma (Hodgkin’s & Non-Hodgkin’s)

Both types of lymphoma affect the lymphocytes in the lymphatic system. HL has unique Reed-Sternberg cells and usually starts in the cervical nodes. Chemotherapy and radiation have an 80–90% success rate in curing young adults. NHL, which is more frequent, doesn't have these cells and has more than 70 subtypes that come from B or T cells and often spread to other parts of the body.

Main Differences

HL distributes in an orderly way from one node to another, but NHL spreads in a random way across organs. There are different forms of HL, such as nodular sclerosis and lymphocyte-predominant. NHL types range from indolent follicular to aggressive diffuse big B-cell types. The prognosis is more favourable for HL, particularly in the early stages, compared to the unpredictable results of the NHL.

Risk Factors and Symptoms

Some common indicators are swollen lymph nodes that don't hurt, night sweats, fever, tiredness, and itching. For HL, the risks are EBV infection, immunosuppression, and a family history. For NHL, the risks are autoimmune disorders and infections.

Diagnosis and Treatment

Biopsy confirms Reed-Sternberg cells in HL, while NHL has a variety of markers. PET-CT staging is used. ABVD chemotherapy is used to treat HL, R-CHOP chemotherapy is used to treat NHL, and immunotherapy, radiotherapy, or transplants are also used. Finding it early greatly increases your chances of survival.