What is Hodgkin lymphoma?

Hodgkin lymphoma is 1 of 2 main types of cancer that affects your lymphatic system.

Your lymphatic system is part of your immune system and is made up of:

• lymph — a clear fluid that contains white blood cells, which fight infection
• lymph vessels (small tubes that carry lymph)
• lymphatic nodes (also sometimes called lymph glands), which filter the lymph

Lymphoma occurs when white blood cells in the lymphatic system grow abnormally and multiply.

There are 2 types of Hodgkin lymphoma:

• classical Hodgkin lymphoma, the more common type
• nodular lymphocyte-predominant Hodgkin lymphoma

Hodgkin lymphoma is also known as Hodgkin disease. The average age at diagnosis is 45 years.

What are the symptoms of Hodgkin lymphoma?

Symptoms of Hodgkin lymphoma can include:

• a painless swelling or lump in one or more lymph nodes, often in the neck, armpit or groin
• tiredness
• night sweats
• fever
• weight loss
• loss of appetite
• persistent cough
• shortness of breath
• a rash or itching

What causes Hodgkin lymphoma?

The cause of Hodgkin lymphoma is largely unknown, but some factors can increase your risk. These include:

• infection with some viruses, such as the Epstein-Barr virus (that causes glandular fever) or human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)
• having a close relative who has had Hodgkin lymphoma
• having a weakened immune system

When should I see my doctor?

See your doctor as soon as possible if you have a lump or swelling anywhere in your body. Also visit your doctor if you have symptoms that you are worried about.

How is Hodgkin lymphoma diagnosed?

Your doctor will ask about your symptoms and do a physical examination. They will examine the lymph nodes in your neck, underarms and groin.

Hodgkin lymphoma is confirmed with a biopsy, where a sample of the affected lymph tissue is tested. The sample is examined under a microscope, which can show if there are cancer cells. Sometimes a biopsy is done after an ultrasound scan.

If the biopsy shows you have Hodgkin lymphoma, you will be asked to have some further tests see if the cancer has spread. These may be:

• blood tests
• a CT scan
• an MRI scan
• a PET scan
• a bone marrow biopsy

How is Hodgkin lymphoma treated?

The treatment for Hodgkin lymphoma will depend on several factors. These are:

• the type of Hodgkin lymphoma you have
• the stage of the lymphoma (whether it has spread)
• your age
• your symptoms
• your health overall

Treatment may involve:

• chemotherapy — use of strong medicines to kill cancer cells
• corticosteroid medicines
• radiotherapy — use of radiation to kill cancer cells in a specific area
• targeted therapies and cancer immunotherapy
• stem cell transplant — a treatment for people whose lymphoma has not responded to treatment or recurred (come back after successful treatment)

You may be offered a combination of several treatments. Talk with your doctor about your treatment options and their risks and benefits.

Hodgkin lymphoma usually responds well to treatment.

Can Hodgkin lymphoma be prevented?

It’s not possible to prevent Hodgkin lymphoma. There’s no screening test currently available.

Complications of Hodgkin lymphoma

Hodgkin lymphoma and its treatments can cause complications. These can include:

• Immunosuppression (a weakened immune system) — this can increase your risk of infection.
• Nausea and vomiting — there are effective treatments for these side effects.
• Hair loss or skin changes.
• Fertility problems — some cancer treatments can cause fertility problems. Speak to your doctor about preserving your fertility before starting treatment.
• Secondary cancer — some cancer treatments can increase your chance of developing another cancer in the future.
• Organ damage — chemotherapy and radiotherapy can occasionally cause long-term damage to organs such as your heart and lungs. They can also damage your nerves, causing symptoms such as tingling, numbness or pain.

Resources and support

If you or a loved one is diagnosed with Hodgkin lymphoma, talking to someone can help.

Support is available by calling the Cancer Council helpline on 13 11 20.

Support and information are also available from:

• Canteen, which provides support for young people (aged 12 to 25 years) living with or affected by cancer. It also provides support to their parents and carers.
• Lymphoma Australia, which has support and information and an online patient forum.

You can also call the healthdirect helpline on 1800 022 222 (known as NURSE-ON-CALL in Victoria). A registered nurse is available to speak with 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.