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Hodgkin lymphoma

6-minute read

Key facts

  • Hodgkin lymphoma is a type of cancer that affects your lymphatic system.
  • Hodgkin lymphoma is also called Hodgkin disease.
  • A biopsy (tissue sample) is needed to diagnose Hodgkin lymphoma.
  • Treatment depends on the type of Hodgkin lymphoma and whether it has spread.

What is Hodgkin lymphoma?

Hodgkin lymphoma is 1 of 2 main types of cancer that affects your lymphatic system. The other type of lymphoma is called non-Hodgkin lymphoma.

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

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

There are 2 types of Hodgkin lymphoma, which grow and spread differently. These are:

  1. classical Hodgkin lymphoma — the more common type
  2. nodular lymphocyte-predominant Hodgkin lymphoma (NLPHL), which is rare

Hodgkin lymphoma is also known as Hodgkin disease. It can affect people of any age.

What are the symptoms of Hodgkin lymphoma?

Symptoms of Hodgkin lymphoma can include:

Other symptoms can include:

What causes Hodgkin lymphoma?

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

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.

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How is Hodgkin lymphoma diagnosed?

Your doctor will ask about your symptoms and examine you. They will check the lymph nodes in your neck, underarms and groin.

Hodgkin lymphoma is confirmed with a biopsy. This is where a sample of the affected lymph tissue is tested. The sample is examined under a microscope to look for cancer cells.

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

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How is Hodgkin lymphoma treated?

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

Treatment may involve:

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

Hodgkin lymphoma usually responds well to treatment.

What are the complications of Hodgkin lymphoma?

Hodgkin lymphoma and its treatments can cause complications. These can include the following.

Can Hodgkin lymphoma be prevented?

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

Resources and support

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

Support and information are available from:

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.

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