Understanding Hodgkin's

Hodgkin’s lymphoma is not a common cancer. According to the American Cancer Society Facts and Figures, 2004, about 7,880 new cases are expected to be diagnosed. Hodgkin’s lymphoma occurs mainly in young adults, with a peak occurrence between the ages of 16 and 34. Older patients, especially those over the age of 55, may also develop this disease.

Hodgkin’s lymphoma is a cancer that is thought to arise from an abnormal lymphocyte. The disease was named after Thomas Hodgkin, the British doctor who first identified this disease in 1832, long before the existence and function of lymphocytes were known. Because for many years the cell of origin was unknown, doctors referred to this illness as Hodgkin's disease. Since the cell of origin is now known to be a lymphocyte, the disease is now considered a type of lymphoma. All other types of lymphoma are referred to as non-Hodgkin's lymphomas, and arise from either abnormal B-cells (most commonly) or T-cells (less commonly).

Most people with Hodgkin’s lymphoma have abnormal cells called Reed-Sternberg (R-S) cells. Other abnormal cell types may be present as well. However, the presence of R-S cells alone does not mean that an individual has Hodgkin’s lymphoma. To confirm a diagnosis, the lymphatic tissue sample that contains Reed-Sternberg cells must also be surrounded by a background of other cells and features that are characteristic of Hodgkin’s lymphoma. A pathologist may use immunological tests that look for cell surface markers (antigens) that identify specific cell types in order to help make the diagnosis.

Hodgkin’s lymphoma has been studied more than any other type of lymphoma. The good news is that there have been rapid advances in the diagnosis and treatment of this disease, and over 80% of patients with Hodgkin’s lymphoma are cured.

WHAT CAUSES HODGKIN’S LYMPHOMA

The exact causes are unknown. Doctors cannot explain why one person gets Hodgkin’s lymphoma and another does not. We do know that Hodgkin’s lymphoma is not caused by an injury and that you cannot get it by being in contact with someone who has the disease.

Several factors (called risk factors) have been implicated as playing a role in Hodgkin’s lymphoma. People who have been infected with the Epstein-Barr virus (which causes mononucleosis) may be more likely to develop Hodgkin’s lymphoma. HIV infection is also a risk factor. Some evidence also seems to suggest that family members of those with Hodgkin’s lymphoma have a higher-than-average chance of developing the disease.

It is important to note that if you have one or more of these risk factors, it does not mean that you will get Hodgkin’s lymphoma. In fact, most people with risk factors never develop the disease. Many who are diagnosed have no identifiable risk factors.

HOW HODGKIN’S LYMPHOMA DEVELOPS

Hodgkin’s lymphoma usually starts in lymph nodes. Since lymph tissues all over the body are connected, abnormal (cancerous) lymphocytes can circulate in the lymphatic vessels. As a result, Hodgkin’s lymphoma often spreads from one lymph node to another throughout the body. Hodgkin’s lymphoma can also spread to other areas and organs outside the lymph system. Unlike other lymphomas, Hodgkin’s lymphoma tends to spread more in sequence from one lymph node area to the next, skipping areas less frequently than NHL.

http://www.lymphoma.org/