Hodgkin’s Disease
Hodgkin’s disease begins in the lymphatic system, part of the immune system that works to fight off infection.
Hodgkin’s disease is named after Dr. Thomas Hodgkin, who first recognized the rare type of lymphoma.
About Hodgkin’s Disease
The lymphatic system is made up of small organs called lymph nodes located in the neck, underarms, chest, abdomen and groin. The lymph nodes are connected by a network of vessels. The tonsils, spleen and thymus and bone marrow are also part of the lymphatic system.
Hodgkin’s disease begins when a type of white blood cell located in the lymph node, called a lymphocyte, becomes abnormal and begins to divide and duplicate out of control.
Since lymphatic tissue is located throughout the body, Hodgkin’s disease can begin almost anywhere. The cancer tends to spread in an orderly fashion from one group of lymph nodes to another. It can eventually spread throughout the body.
Hodgkin’s vs. Non-Hodgkin’s
The primary difference between Hodgkin’s disease and the more common form of lymphoma, non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma, is the presence of unique cancer cells called Reed-Sternberg cells (or Hodgkin cells). Reed-Sternberg cells occur when normal B cell lymphocytes develop into very large abnormal cells.
Who’s at Risk?
Each year, approximately 8,000 people in the U.S. learn they have Hodgkin’s disease. It most commonly occurs in people between the ages of 15 and 35 and in those over the age of 55. Men are at a slightly higher risk than women.
Those who have a brother or sister with the disease are also at an increased risk.
Risk Factors
The following risk factors are known to increase the chance of developing Hodgkin’s disease:
- Epstein-Barr virus: People who have had infectious mononucleosis, also called mono, caused by the Epstein-Barr virus are at a higher risk.
- HIV: Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), the virus that causes AIDS, increases the chance of Hodgkin’s.
- Weakened immune system: Inherited conditions and some drugs given after an organ transplant can make your immune system weak and increase the risk of Hodgkin’s disease.
Treatment
Treatment options depend on the type of Hodgkin’s disease, the extent of the cancer, and your age.
Chemotherapy and radiation therapy are the usual treatments for Hodgkin’s disease. High-dose chemotherapy in combination with stem cell transplantation may also be effective in treating the disease.
Some information on this page is provided by the National Cancer Institute and the American Cancer Society.