Lymphoma

Hodgkin's Lymphoma

Signs and Symptoms
Diagnosis
Treatment

Signs and Symptoms

Hodgkin's disease occurs in three distinct forms:

• Childhood, 14 years of age and younger
• Young adult, 15 to 34 years of age
• Older adult, 55 to 75 years of age

Hodgkin's disease peaks in young adults and again in those over 50 years of age. It is slightly more common in males than females, and is more common in Caucasians. This disease is very rare in children younger than 5 and tends to cluster in families. The main malignant cell of Hodgkin's lymphoma is the "Reed-Sternberg" cell that originates from B or T cells, cells that contain antibody molecules. Several types of Hodgkin's disease also are associated with the Epstein-Barr virus, a member of the herpes virus family and one of the most common human viruses. Four types of Hodgkin's disease are:

• Nodular Sclerosing -- This accounts for about 40 percent of all Hodgkin's disease and for 70 percent of the Hodgkin's cases in adolescents. This is the only form of Hodgkin's that is more prevalent in women. It can involve the lower cervical lymph nodes.

• Mixed Cellularity -- This represents about 30 percent of Hodgkin's disease and usually affects children less than 10 years of age. This condition is usually an advanced disease.

• Lymphocyte Predominance -- This accounts for 10 percent to 15 percent of Hodgkin's disease and is predominant in males and younger patients. The condition usually is localized and has the best likelihood of a good outcome.

• Lymphocyte Depleted -- This condition is rare in children and more common in HIV-positive adults. It is usually a widespread disease.

Hodgkin's lymphoma often occurs in one or more groups of lymph glands, most commonly in the neck. The first symptom is usually swollen glands. Often, the cancer is limited to a small number of closely related glands. In half of the children affected, it spreads to the chest.

In a minority of children, there is high fever, weight loss and night sweats. These symptoms are more common if the cancer is extensive.

Reviewed by health care specialists at UCSF Children's Hospital.
Last updated February 26, 2008