Hodgkin Lymphoma

What is Hodgkin Lymphoma?

Hodgkin lymphoma, a type of blood cancer, occurs when lymphocytes, which are part of the body’s white blood cells, grow abnormally and create tumors.

The two main types of lymphoma are Hodgkin lymphoma and non-Hodgkin lymphoma. The difference between these two types depends on the type of lymphocytes involved.

The types of lymphoma have very different disease progressions and treatments, so an accurate diagnosis is vital.

Learn more about Hodgkin lymphoma’s symptoms, diagnosis and treatment.

Why Choose Us for Hodgkin Lymphoma Care

State-of-the-Art Cancer Treatment

RWJBarnabas Health, in partnership with the Rutgers Cancer Institute of New Jersey, the state’s only NCI-designated Comprehensive Cancer Center, meets the highest standards in cancer research, treatment, prevention and education in the nation. We offer the most advanced treatment options, including chemotherapy, radiation, blood and marrow or stem cell transplants, immunotherapy and access to clinical trials.

New Jersey’s Largest Network of Cancer Specialists

We are New Jersey’s largest network of cancer specialists, including nationally and internationally recognized hematologists/oncologists, radiation oncologists, advanced practice nurses and certified oncology support professionals with advanced credentials in cancer specialty care with expertise in blood cancers.

Oncology Nurse Navigators Guide You Through Your Cancer Journey

Nurse navigators help secure appointments, coordinate follow-up visits related to treatments and procedures, and guide you through aspects of survivorship.

Hodgkin Lymphoma Symptoms

Hodgkin lymphoma symptoms can include:

• Swelling in the neck, armpits, or groin
• Fatigue
• Fever
• Night sweats
• Weight loss
• Severe itching
• Increased alcohol sensitivity
• Lymph node pain after consuming alcohol

Patients are encouraged to seek medical care at the first sign of Hodgkin lymphoma symptoms, and especially if they persist. An early diagnosis can increase the chances of treatment success.

Hodgkin Lymphoma Diagnosis

If you have Hodgkin lymphoma symptoms, your doctor will conduct a thorough medical history, gathering important information regarding how long you have had symptoms, what types of symptoms you have had, and if you have been exposed to any risk factors. They may order any of the following tests to make a diagnosis:

• A Physical Exam. Used to check for swelling in the lymph nodes, including the neck, underarm, and groin. The spleen and liver are also checked for swelling.
• Blood Tests. Used to examine blood for signs of cancer.
• Imaging Tests. An X-ray, CT, or positron emission tomography may be used to look to see if Hodgkin lymphoma has spread to other parts of the body.
• Lymph Node Biopsy. A suspicious lymph node is removed and sent to the laboratory where it is examined for cancer cells.
• Bone Marrow Biopsy. A sample of bone marrow is removed from the hip and sent to the laboratory where it is examined for Hodgkin lymphoma cells.

Hodgkin Lymphoma Treatment

A team of oncologists and other specialists will work with each patient to create effective treatment strategies. In designing a care plan, they assess:

• The stage of the disease
• The size of the tumor or tumors
• The symptoms you are experiencing
• Whether the cancer is aggressive or slow-growing

There are more Hodgkin lymphoma treatment options than ever before, including:

• Chemotherapy. Chemicals are used to kill cancer cells.
• Radiation Therapy. Radiation is used to kill cancer cells. It may be combined with chemotherapy.
• Blood and marrow transplants or stem cell transplant. Cancerous cells or stem cells are replaced with healthy ones, which then regenerate healthy blood and bone marrow.
• Immunotherapy (including monoclonal antibodies).Uses the body’s immune system to locate and kill cancer cells.

Surgery is rarely used to treat Hodgkin lymphoma. Palliative or supportive care is often included to treat low blood cell counts, infections, and other complications that lymphoma symptoms can cause.

In some cases, clinical trials may be offered to provide access to new treatment options that are not available anywhere else in the state.

Hodgkin lymphoma is a highly treatable cancer. The Hodgkin lymphoma survival rate has steadily increased since 1975 thanks to treatment improvements. According to the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society, the five-year relative survival rate is 94 percent in patients under the age of 45 at diagnosis.

Questions? Contact Us

Your team at RWJBarnabas Health is here to address any questions or concerns that you might have. We will help you understand how you will feel and function after treatment, and if you will have to change any of your normal activities.

Together, you and your RWJBarnabas Health care team will craft a treatment plan that is right for you.

To contact one of New Jersey’s best blood cancer specialists call
844-CANCERNJ or 844-226-2376.