Non-Hodgkin's lymphoma: symptoms, diagnosis and treatment of a heterogeneous group of tumours

Hodgkin's lymphoma: symptoms, causes and treatment

By Cristiano Antonino On Oct 28, 2022

Hodgkin’s lymphoma is a cancer that attacks the lymphatic system, the network of thin vessels that distribute fluid throughout the body, carrying immune cells, and the lymph nodes (small bean-shaped glands found in the groin, underarms, neck, abdomen, chest, and behind the knees)

Hodgkin’s lymphoma usually starts with lymph nodes located in one part of the body, which become abnormally enlarged and then spread to the lymphatic system; over time the disease can reach the lungs, liver, bones and bone marrow (metastasis).

There are four stages of the disease, ranging from the presence of cancer in only one of the lymph nodes to metastasis to other organs.

Hodgkin’s lymphoma is a very common form of cancer among adolescents and young adults.

Characteristic symptoms of Hodgkin’s lymphoma

Lymphoma often presents with a non-painful swelling of the lymph nodes in the neck, armpits and groin.

Other symptoms are fever, night sweats, exhaustion, itching, weight loss, enlarged liver and spleen.

Some people experience pain in the lymph nodes after drinking alcohol.

Diagnosis of Hodgkin’s lymphoma

Hodgkin’s lymphoma can be diagnosed by detecting a specific cell (Reed-Sternberg cell) present in diseased lymph nodes.

A lymph node biopsy is then performed to identify the stage of the disease.

Hodgkin’s lymphoma: the causes

The causes of Hodgkin’s lymphoma are not entirely clear, but a relationship between the disease and the Epstein-Barr virus (EBV), the same virus that causes mononucleosis, is suspected.

The risk of contracting lymphoma is higher in those who have had episodes in their family and in those with a debilitated immune system.