Hodgkin Lymphoma Treated at Karmanos

Treatment of Hodgkin Lymphoma

What is Hodgkin lymphoma?

Hodgkin lymphoma is a blood cancer that develops in the white blood cells, called lymphocytes. Lymphocytes are a critical part of the body’s immune system. The lymph system helps contribute to the flow of fluids in the body and is made up of mainly lymphocytes, a type of white blood cell. The two main types of lymphocytes are B lymphocytes and T lymphocytes.

There are two main types of lymphoma known as Hodgkin lymphoma (HL) and Non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL). These two different types of lymphoma behave differently and require different treatments, so it’s important to know which one you have.

What are the different types of Hodgkin lymphoma?

Classical Hodgkin lymphoma is the most common type of lymphoma. Individuals diagnosed with classical Hodgkin lymphoma have large lymphoma cells, called Reed-Sternburg, in their lymph nodes. The four subtypes of classical Hodgkin lymphoma include:

• Nodular sclerosis Hodgkin lymphoma: This accounts for 70% of classical Hodgkin lymphoma cases and the lymph nodes involved contain sclerosis.
• Mixed cellularity Hodgkin lymphoma: This accounts for 20 – 25% of classical Hodgkin lymphoma cases and is most common in children, older adults and patients with HIV infection.
• Lymphocyte-depleted Hodgkin lymphoma: This accounts for around 5% of classical Hodgkin lymphoma cases and the involved lymph nodes contain lymphocytes and Reed-Sternberg cells.
• Lymphocyte-rich Hodgkin lymphoma: This is the rarest type of classical Hodgkin lymphoma where lymph nodes contain few normal lymphocytes but contain numerous RS cells.

What causes Hodgkin lymphoma?

Although health care professionals are not sure what causes Hodgkin lymphoma, it is clear that it begins with changes in the DNA of a lymphocyte, which causes the cell to multiply quickly and live longer. The additional cells crowd into the lymph nodes and create swelling and other symptoms. The type of lymphoma you have is based on the characteristics of the cells involved in your disease and their behavior.

What are the risk factors of Hodgkin lymphoma?

Although there are no ways to prevent this cancer, factors that increase the likelihood of having Hodgkin lymphoma include the following:

• Age: Hodgkin lymphoma is most often diagnosed in individuals between the ages of 20 years old and 30 years old, as well as individuals over the age of 65 years old.
• A family history of Hodgkin lymphoma: Having a blood relative with Hodgkin lymphoma increases your chance of developing the same cancer.
• Gender: Men are more likely to develop Hodgkin lymphoma than women.
• Past Epstein-Barr infection: People who have been diagnosed with Epstein-Barr virus, including mononucleosis, are at a higher risk of developing Hodgkin lymphoma.
• HIV infection: People who are infected with HIV have an increased risk of developing Hodgkin lymphoma.

What are the signs of Hodgkin lymphoma?

The common signs and symptoms of Hodgkin lymphoma may include the following:

• Painless swelling of lymph nodes in the neck, armpits, or groin.
• Fever.
• Fatigue.
• Night sweats.
• Unexplained weight loss.
• Itchy skin.

How is Hodgkin lymphoma diagnosed?

A Hodgkin lymphoma diagnosis normally begins with an evaluation of swollen lymph nodes, commonly found in the neck, underarm and groin. Additional testing depend on the lymphoma’s location and your symptoms. Tests may include one or more of the following:

• Physical exam: To find swollen lymph nodes and identify any lumps or places of discomfort.
• Blood tests: To look for signs of cancer in the blood counts.
• Imaging tests: To assess for signs of lymphomas in other areas of the body.
• Bone barrow aspiration or biopsies: To remove a sample of tissue for testing to see if it contains Hodgkin lymphoma cells.

What are treatment options for Hodgkin lymphoma?

The Hematology Oncology Multidisciplinary Team at Karmanos Cancer Institute will customize an individualized treatment plan depending on the location of the lymphoma, the stage of the cancer, and the person’s age and overall health. Speaking with your healthcare provider will allow you to find the best treatment option for you.

Early detection is one of the most powerful weapons in the fight against cancer. When it comes to world-class cancer care close to home, look no further than Karmanos.

Information includes Hodgkin Lymphoma, causes, risk factors, diagnosis and treatment.