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Hodgkin Lymphoma
Reviewed by Medicinsk Expert•Last updated: 2026-10-22•Immune System

Hodgkin Lymphoma

Hodgkin lymphoma is a cancer of the lymph system, a vital part of the immune system that helps protect the body from infection and disease.

Overview

Hodgkin lymphoma, also called Hodgkin disease, is a type of cancer that develops in the lymph system. The lymph system is made up of tissues and organs that produce, store, and carry white blood cells. It includes your:

  • Bone marrow
  • Lymph nodes
  • Lymphatic vessels
  • Spleen
  • Thymus
  • Tonsils

Hodgkin lymphoma is one of the main types of lymphoma. The other is non-Hodgkin lymphoma. Each type starts in different types of white blood cells.

Causes & Risk Factors

The cause of Hodgkin lymphoma is unknown. However, certain factors can make you more likely to develop it:

  • Age: Hodgkin lymphoma is most common in early adulthood (age 20-39 years) and in late adulthood (age 65 years and older).
  • Being male: The risk of adult Hodgkin lymphoma is slightly higher in males than in females.
  • Past Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) infection: Having an infection with EBV as a young child or teenager increases your risk of Hodgkin lymphoma.
  • A family history of Hodgkin lymphoma: Having a parent or sibling with Hodgkin lymphoma increases your risk of developing it.

Symptoms

The signs and symptoms of Hodgkin lymphoma may include:

  • Painless, swollen lymph nodes in the neck, underarm, or groin
  • Fever for no known reason
  • Drenching night sweats (very heavy sweating during sleep)
  • Weight loss for no known reason in the past 6 months
  • Itchy skin, especially after bathing or drinking alcohol
  • Fatigue

Diagnosis

To find out if you have Hodgkin lymphoma, your provider:

  • Will ask about your symptoms and medical history. This will include checking for signs of disease, such as lumps or anything else that seems unusual.
  • May order some lab tests, such as:
    • Complete blood count
    • Blood chemistry studies
    • Lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) test
    • Erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) test
    • Blood tests to rule out other medical conditions
  • May do imaging tests such as a CT and PET (positron emission tomography) scans.
  • May do a lymph node biopsy.

Treatment & Management

Treatments for Hodgkin lymphoma include:

  • Chemotherapy
  • Radiation therapy
  • Targeted therapy, which uses drugs or other substances that attack specific cancer cells with less harm to normal cells
  • Cancer immunotherapy

Hodgkin lymphoma can usually be cured if it is found and treated early.

Frequently Asked Questions

Hodgkin lymphoma is characterized by the presence of Reed-Sternberg cells and typically follows a predictable pattern of spread through adjacent lymph nodes. Non-Hodgkin lymphoma involves various types of B or T cells and can spread in less predictable ways. Hodgkin lymphoma is generally more curable with high cure rates, often using ABVD chemotherapy and radiation, whereas non-Hodgkin lymphoma treatments vary widely depending on the specific subtype and may require different chemotherapy regimens or targeted therapies. How does a bone marrow biopsy fit into the diagnosis of Hodgkin lymphoma?::A bone marrow biopsy is not always required for diagnosis but is often performed to determine the stage of the disease. It helps check if the cancer has spread to the bone marrow, which would indicate Stage IV disease. This information is crucial for planning the most effective treatment strategy, as staging directly influences whether radiation therapy is included in the treatment plan. What are the common long-term side effects of Hodgkin lymphoma treatment that I should monitor?::Long-term effects can include secondary cancers, heart problems, and thyroid dysfunction. Radiation to the chest can increase the risk of heart disease and breast cancer, so regular cardiac screenings and mammograms are important. Chemotherapy can affect fertility, so discuss sperm or egg preservation options with your doctor before starting treatment. Regular follow-up appointments are necessary to monitor for these late effects. Is Hodgkin lymphoma hereditary, and should my family members get screened?::Hodgkin lymphoma is not directly inherited in a simple genetic pattern, but having a first-degree relative with the disease slightly increases your risk. There is no standard screening test for healthy individuals without symptoms. However, if you have a family history, you should be aware of the signs, such as painless swollen lymph nodes, unexplained fever, night sweats, and weight loss, and report them to your doctor promptly.
Source: MedlinePlus, National Library of Medicine

MedlinePlus brings together authoritative health information from the National Library of Medicine (NLM), the National Institutes of Health (NIH), and other government agencies and health-related organizations.

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