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Hodgkin and non-Hodgkin lymphoma are two of the many types of blood cancer that we treat with BMT at University of Minnesota Medical Center. This section will give you a brief overview of these conditions.

Both Hodgkin lymphoma and Non-Hodgkin lymphoma are diseases in which malignant (cancer) cells form in the lymph system. The lymph system is part of the body's immune system. The lymph system is made up of the following:

• Lymph: Colorless, watery fluid that travels through the lymph system and carries white blood cells called lymphocytes. Lymphocytes protect the body against infections and the growth of tumors.
• Lymph vessels: A network of thin tubes that collect lymph from different parts of the body and return it to the bloodstream.
• Lymph nodes: Small, bean-shaped structures that filter lymph and store white blood cells that help fight infection and disease. Lymph nodes are located along the network of lymph vessels found throughout the body. Clusters of lymph nodes are found in the underarm, pelvis, neck, abdomen, and groin.
• Spleen: An organ that makes lymphocytes, filters the blood, stores blood cells, and destroys old blood cells. It is located on the left side of the abdomen near the stomach.
• Thymus: An organ in which lymphocytes grow and multiply. The thymus is in the chest behind the breastbone.
• Tonsils: Two small masses of lymph tissue at the back of the throat. The tonsils produce lymphocytes.
• Bone marrow: The soft, spongy tissue in the center of large bones. Bone marrow produces white blood cells, red blood cells, and platelets.

Because lymph tissue is found throughout the body, both Hodgkin and Non-Hodgkin lymphoma can begin in almost any part of the body and spread to almost any tissue or organ in the body.

Click on one of the following links to learn more about these types of cancer.

Hodgkin Lymphoma

Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma

Hodgkin lymphoma
Adult Hodgkin lymphoma can usually be cured if found and treated early. There are two main types of Hodgkin lymphoma: classical and nodular lymphocyte-predominant. Most Hodgkin lymphomas are the classical type. The classical type is broken down into the following four subtypes:

• Nodular sclerosing Hodgkin lymphoma
• Mixed cellularity Hodgkin lymphoma
• Lymphocyte depletion Hodgkin lymphoma
• Lymphocyte-rich classical Hodgkin lymphoma

Risk factors
Age, gender, and Epstein-Barr infection can affect the risk of developing adult Hodgkin lymphoma. Anything that increases your risk of getting a disease is called a risk factor. Having a risk factor does not mean that you will get cancer; not having risk factors doesn't mean that you will not get cancer. People who think they may be at risk should discuss this with their doctor.

Risk factors for adult Hodgkin lymphoma include the following:

• Being in young or late adulthood
• Being male
• Being infected with the Epstein-Barr virus
• Having a first-degree relative (parent, brother, or sister) with Hodgkin lymphoma

Pregnancy is not a risk factor for Hodgkin lymphoma.

Signs and symptoms
Possible signs of adult Hodgkin lymphoma include swollen lymph nodes, fever, night sweats, and weight loss. These and other symptoms may be caused by adult Hodgkin lymphoma. Other conditions may cause the same symptoms. A doctor should be consulted if any of the following problems do not go away:

• Painless, swollen lymph nodes in the neck, underarm, or groin
• Fever for no known reason
• Drenching night sweats
• Weight loss for no known reason
• Itchy skin
• Feeling very tired

Prognosis
Certain factors affect prognosis (chance of recovery) and treatment options. The prognosis (chance of recovery) and treatment options depend on the following:

• The patient's symptoms
• The stage of the cancer
• The type of Hodgkin lymphoma
• Blood test results
• The patient's age, gender, and general health
• Whether the cancer is recurrent or progressive.

For Hodgkin lymphoma during pregnancy, treatment options also depend on:

• The wishes of the patient
• The age of the fetus

For more information on Hodgkin lymphoma, visit the University of Minnesota Masonic Cancer Center site.

Non-Hodgkin lymphoma
Age, gender, and a weakened immune system can affect the risk of developing adult non-Hodgkin lymphoma. Anything that increases your risk of getting a disease is called a risk factor. Having a risk factor does not mean that you will get cancer; not having risk factors doesn't mean that you will not get cancer. People who think they may be at risk should discuss this with their doctor. Risk factors for adult non-Hodgkin lymphoma include the following:

• Being older, male, or white
• Having one of the following medical conditions:
• • An inherited immune disorder (for example, hypogammaglobulinemia or Wiskott-Aldrich syndrome)
  • An autoimmune disease (for example, rheumatoid arthritis, psoriasis, or Sjögren syndrome)
  • HIV/AIDS
  • Human T-lymphotrophic virus type I or Epstein-Barr virus
  • A history of Helicobacter pylori infection
• Taking immunosuppressant drugs after an organ transplant
• Being exposed to certain pesticides
• A diet high in meats and fat
• Past treatment for Hodgkin lymphoma

Prognosis
Certain factors affect prognosis (chance of recovery) and treatment options. The prognosis (chance of recovery) and treatment options depend on the following:

• The stage of the cancer
• The type of non-Hodgkin lymphoma
• The patient's age and general health
• Whether the lymphoma has just been diagnosed or has recurred (come back)
• Prognosis also depends on the level of LDH in the blood.

Non-Hodgkin lymphoma in pregnant women is the same as the disease in nonpregnant women of childbearing age. However, treatment is different for pregnant women. Non-Hodgkin lymphoma can occur in both adults and children.

For more information on non-Hodgkin lymphoma, visit the University of Minnesota Masonic Cancer Center site.