Hodgkin’s lymphoma is cancer of the B lymphocytes (a type of white blood cell) found in the lymphatic system, which is a network of vessels and glands spread throughout your body.The lymphatic system is part of your immune system. Clear fluid called lymph flows through the lymphatic vessels and contains infection-fighting white blood cells known as lymphocytes (see box on this page for more about lymphocytes).In lymphoma, these lymphocytes start to multiply in an abnormal way and begin to collect in certain parts of the lymphatic system, such as the lymph nodes (glands). The affected lymphocytes lose their infection-fighting properties, making you more vulnerable to infection.The most common symptom of Hodgkin’s lymphoma is a painless swelling in a lymph node, usually in the neck, armpit or groin. Read more about the symptoms of Hodgkin’s lymphoma.Who is affectedHodgkin’s lymphoma mostly affects young adults aged between 15 and 35 and adults over the age of 50. More men than women are affected.Nearly 1,500 people are diagnosed with Hodgkin’s lymphoma in the UK each year.What causes it?The cause of Hodgkin’s lymphoma is unknown. Risk factors for developing it include having a medical condition that weakens your immune system, taking immunosuppressant medication and being previously exposed to the Epstein-Barr virus (which causes glandular fever). Read more information about the causes of Hodgkin’s lymphoma.Diagnosing Hodgkin’s lymphomaThe only way to confirm a diagnosis of Hodgkin’s lymphoma is by carrying out a biopsy (testing a sample of affected lymph node tissue). Read more information about diagnosing Hodgkin’s lymphoma.Treatment and outlookHodgkin’s lymphoma is a relatively aggressive cancer and can quickly spread through the body. Despite this, it is also one of the most easily treated types of cancer.Almost all young people with Hodgkin’s lymphoma will be fully cured. For older people over the age of 50, the cure rate is around 75%-80%.Your recommended treatment plan will depend on your general health and age, because many of the treatments can cause serious side effects and complications, which can put a tremendous strain on the body. Treatments include chemotherapy, radiotherapy and steroid therapy. Read more about the treatment of Hodgkin’s lymphoma. Google+ Overview of Hodgkin"s lymphoma
Hodgkin’s lymphoma is cancer of the B lymphocytes (a type of white blood cell) found in the lymphatic system, which is a network of vessels and glands spread throughout your body.
The lymphatic system is part of your immune system. Clear fluid called lymph flows through the lymphatic vessels and contains infection-fighting white blood cells known as lymphocytes (see box on this page for more about lymphocytes).
In lymphoma, these lymphocytes start to multiply in an abnormal way and begin to collect in certain parts of the lymphatic system, such as the lymph nodes (glands). The affected lymphocytes lose their infection-fighting properties, making you more vulnerable to infection.
The most common symptom of Hodgkin’s lymphoma is a painless swelling in a lymph node, usually in the neck, armpit or groin. Read more about the symptoms of Hodgkin’s lymphoma.
Who is affected
Hodgkin’s lymphoma mostly affects young adults aged between 15 and 35 and adults over the age of 50. More men than women are affected.
Nearly 1,500 people are diagnosed with Hodgkin’s lymphoma in the UK each year.
What causes it?
The cause of Hodgkin’s lymphoma is unknown. Risk factors for developing it include having a medical condition that weakens your immune system, taking immunosuppressant medication and being previously exposed to the Epstein-Barr virus (which causes glandular fever). Read more information about the causes of Hodgkin’s lymphoma.
Diagnosing Hodgkin’s lymphoma
The only way to confirm a diagnosis of Hodgkin’s lymphoma is by carrying out a biopsy (testing a sample of affected lymph node tissue). Read more information about diagnosing Hodgkin’s lymphoma.
Treatment and outlook
Hodgkin’s lymphoma is a relatively aggressive cancer and can quickly spread through the body. Despite this, it is also one of the most easily treated types of cancer.
Almost all young people with Hodgkin’s lymphoma will be fully cured. For older people over the age of 50, the cure rate is around 75%-80%.
Your recommended treatment plan will depend on your general health and age, because many of the treatments can cause serious side effects and complications, which can put a tremendous strain on the body. Treatments include chemotherapy, radiotherapy and steroid therapy. Read more about the treatment of Hodgkin’s lymphoma.
