What is Hodgkin’s Lymphoma?
Lymphoma is a cancer of the lymphatic system. The lymphatic system is made of up lymph nodes, which are spread throughout your body. Lymphomas are divided into two types - Hodgkin's lymphoma and non-Hodgkin's lymphomas.
Most lymphomas are non-Hodgkin lymphoma and only about 1 in 5 cases are Hodgkin's lymphoma. Hodgkin’s Lymphoma is characterised by the presence of a distinctive abnormal cell called a Reed-Sternberg cell.
How common is Hodgkin’s Lymphoma?
Nearly 1,500 people are diagnosed with Hodgkin's lymphoma in the UK each year. Hodgkin's lymphoma mostly affects young adults aged between 15 and 35 and adults over the age of 50.
What are the symptoms of Hodgkin’s Lymphoma?
The most common early symptom is developing one or more swollen lymph nodes, most commonly in the neck, armpit or groin, which tend to be painless and get bigger over time.
Other symptoms include sweats, fevers, weight loss, tiredness, anaemia and being off food.
How is Hodgkin’s Lymphoma treated?
Hodgkin's lymphoma is a relatively aggressive cancer and can quickly spread through the body. Despite this, it is also one of the most easily treated types of cancer. Treatment will include chemotherapy, radiotherapy and stem cell transplant.
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