Adult Hodgkin's lymphoma is a disease in which malignant (cancer) cells form in the lymph system.
Adult Hodgkin's lymphoma is a type of cancer that develops in the lymph system, part of the body's immune system.
The lymph system is part of the immune system and is made up of the following:
Lymph: Colorless, watery fluid that travels through the lymph system and carries white blood cells called lymphocytes. Lymphocytes protect the body against infections and the growth of tumors.
Lymph vessels: A network of thin tubes that collect lymph from different parts of the body and return it to the bloodstream.
Lymph nodes: Small, bean-shaped structures that filter substances in lymph and help fight infection and disease. Lymph nodes are located along the network of lymph vessels found throughout the body. Clusters of lymph nodes are found in the underarm, pelvis, neck, abdomen, and groin.
Spleen: An organ that produces lymphocytes, filters the blood, stores blood cells, and destroys old blood cells. It is located on the left side of the abdomen near the stomach.
Thymus: An organ in which lymphocytes grow and multiply. The thymus is in the chest behind the breastbone.
Tonsils: Two small masses of lymph tissue at the back of the throat. The tonsils produce lymphocytes.
Bone marrow: The soft, spongy tissue in the center of large bones. Bone marrow produces white blood cells, red blood cells, and platelets.
Because lymph tissue is found throughout the body, Hodgkin's lymphoma can begin in almost any part of the body and spread to almost any tissue or organ in the body.
Lymphomas are divided into 2 general types: Hodgkin's lymphoma and non-Hodgkin's lymphoma. (Refer to the PDQ summary on Adult Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma Treatment for more information.)
Hodgkin's lymphoma can occur in both adults and children; however, treatment for adults may be different than treatment for children. Hodgkin's lymphoma may also occur in patients who have acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS); these patients require special treatment.
There are 5 different types of Hodgkin's lymphoma. These 5 types are based on the way they look under a microscope.
Risk factors for adult Hodgkin's lymphoma include the following:
These and other symptoms may be caused by adult Hodgkin's lymphoma
These and other symptoms may be caused by adult Hodgkin's lymphoma. Other conditions may cause the same symptoms. A doctor should be consulted if any of the following problems do not go away:
- Painless, swollen lymph nodes in the neck, underarm, or groin.
- Fevers (unexplained).
- Drenching night sweats.
- Weight loss (unexplained).
- Itchy skin.
- Tiredness.
The prognosis (chance of recovery) and treatment options depend on the following:
- The patient's symptoms.
- The stage of the cancer.
- The type of Hodgkin's lymphoma.
- Blood test results.
- The patient's age, gender, and general health.
- Whether the cancer is recurrent or progressive.
Adult Hodgkin's lymphoma can usually be cured if found and treated early.
National Cancer Institute
