Hodgkin Lymphoma
Hodgkin lymphoma is a cancer that starts in white blood cells called lymphocytes.
The main treatments are chemotherapy and radiation, either alone or in combination. Immunotherapy and stem cell transplant may also be options, particularly if other treatments aren’t working or you’re dealing with a recurrence.
There’s no single treatment plan that’s right for everybody. Each type of therapy has potential benefits and risks, and the right course depends on your individual circumstances.
Continue reading to learn more about the factors that will guide treatmeant for Hodgkin lymphoma.
Type of Hodgkin lymphoma
Each type of Hodgkin lymphoma has its own typical pattern of behavior. What works best for one type may not be the best choice to treat another.
Classic Hodgkin lymphoma makes up about 95 percent of Hodgkin lymphomas. It involves cancer cells called Reed-Sternberg cells. There are four subtypes of classic Hodgkin lymphoma:
Nodular sclerosis Hodgkin lymphoma can occur at any age but is most common in adolescents and young adults. It typically starts in lymph nodes of the neck or chest. This type represents about 60 to 80 percent of Hodgkin lymphomas, and the majority of people who have it can be cured.
Mixed cellularity Hodgkin lymphoma tends to be diagnosed in an advanced stage, usually in older adults. It’s normally found in the upper part of the body.
Lymphocyte-rich Hodgkin lymphoma is usually found in the upper half of the body in only a few lymph nodes. This type is often diagnosed at an early stage in adults. The relapse rate is low.
Lymphocyte-depleted Hodgkin lymphoma tends to be diagnosed in older adults. It’s found in the lymph nodes of the abdomen, liver, spleen, and bone marrow, usually in an advanced stage.