Hodgkin’s lymphoma is a rare cancer that develops in the lymph nodes and is most often seen in patients under the age of 35, but can be seen in all ages.
At the OSUCCC – James, our lymphoma team of physicians, nurse practitioners, and nurses are world-renowned experts who specialize solely in the treatment of patients with lymphoma and whose goal is to design the very best treatment plan and therapies to target each patient’s specific disease.
And by offering access to some of the country’s most advanced clinical trials right here at the OSUCCC – James, patients know that additional options, when needed, are always available for their treatment and care.
What Is Hodgkin’s Lymphoma?
Hodgkin’s lymphoma is a rare cancer that develops in the lymph nodes and is most often seen in patients under the age of 35, but can be seen in all ages.
No one knows what causes Hodgkin’s lymphoma. Hodgkin’s lymphoma accounts for less than one percent of all diagnosed cancers in the U.S. Of the 80,000 lymphomas that are diagnosed in Americans each year, only about 9,000 are Hodgkin’s lymphoma. Because of the rarity of this disease and because of the variety of treatment options, which includes chemotherapy and radiation, it is recommended that all patients with Hodgkin’s lymphoma get an opinion on treatment at an academic cancer center like the OSUCCC – James. The pathology, radiation and hematology-oncology expertise at an academic medical center help ensure a patient has the correct diagnosis and is offered state-of-the-art treatment options.
Hodgkin’s lymphoma is typically curable in 50-90% of patients, depending on the stage of the lymphoma at diagnosis. For those patients whose Hodgkin’s comes back, there are a number of other treatment options and clinical trials with new drugs that may help put it back into remission.
Hodgkin’s Lymphoma Symptoms
Symptoms of Hodgkin’s lymphoma sometimes include:
- 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
Having symptoms does not necessarily mean you have Hodgkin’s lymphoma. But if you have symptoms, you should tell your doctor, especially if symptoms are severe or have continued for longer than a few weeks.
Screening and Diagnosing Stages
Hodgkin’s lymphoma stages are:
Stage I
Hodgkin’s lymphoma in one lymph node area or one group of lymph nodes, for example, only lymph nodes in the left neck.
Stage II
Hodgkin’s lymphoma in two or more lymph node areas, either above or below the diaphragm. For example, lymph nodes that are enlarged in the R and L neck represent stage II Hodgkin’s lymphoma.
Stage III
Hodgkin’s lymphoma found in the lymph nodes or the spleen above and below the diaphragm.
Stage IV
Hodgkin’s lymphoma spread to the bone marrow, the bones, or to more than one organ (i.e., the lungs, the liver, etc).
If you have received a Hodgkin’s lymphoma diagnosis, or if you want a second opinion or just want to speak to a lymphoma specialist, we are here to help you. Call 800-293-5066 or 614-293-5066 to make an appointment.