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Hodgkin Lymphoma (Comprehensive Overview)

A highly curable lymphoma defined by Reed–Sternberg cells.

Written by: Saygı Hospital Health Guide Editorial Board
Last updated:

This content has been compiled by the Saygı Hospital Health Guide Editorial Board and is periodically reviewed by a specialist physician.

References (5)

This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. You can book an appointment at our Hematoloji department. Book Appointment →

What is Hodgkin Lymphoma (Comprehensive Overview)?

Hodgkin lymphoma (HL) is a B-cell-derived lymphoma uniquely defined by CD30-positive Reed–Sternberg (RS) cells. It has a bimodal age distribution peaking at 15–30 and again after 55, and is among the most treatment-responsive cancers.

HL has two main groups: classical HL (four subtypes — nodular sclerosis 70%, mixed cellularity, lymphocyte-depleted, lymphocyte-rich) and nodular lymphocyte-predominant HL (NLPHL). Nodular-sclerosis HL is most common in young women and often presents with a mediastinal mass. EBV is associated with mixed-cellularity and lymphocyte-depleted subtypes.

Major advances include ABVD and BEACOPP chemotherapy plus brentuximab vedotin (anti-CD30 ADC) and anti-PD1 immunotherapy (nivolumab, pembrolizumab). Reducing long-term toxicity (cardiac, pulmonary, secondary cancers) is a key research focus.

Symptoms

Painless cervical, axillary or inguinal lymphadenopathy
Mediastinal mass: cough, dyspnoea or chest pain
B symptoms: night sweats, fever (Pel–Ebstein pattern) and weight loss >10%
Pruritus
Alcohol-induced lymph-node pain (pathognomonic, rare)
Fatigue
Superior vena cava syndrome with a large mediastinal mass

Risk Factors

EBV infection (especially mixed-cellularity subtype)
Immunosuppression (HIV, post-transplant)
Family history of Hodgkin lymphoma (twin studies)
Autoimmune disease
Socio-economic factors (associated with early EBV exposure)

When to See a Doctor?

If you experience any of the following symptoms, seek medical attention promptly:

  • For any painless lymphadenopathy persisting or growing over weeks
  • Urgently when lymphadenopathy is accompanied by B symptoms
  • For dyspnoea with a mediastinal mass — needs PET-CT and biopsy
  • Work up unexplained pruritus and fever for haematological malignancy

Treatment Methods

01
Early-stage favourable (I–IIA): 2–4 cycles of ABVD plus involved-site radiotherapy
02
Early-stage unfavourable (IIB / bulky): 4 cycles of ABVD ± RT or BrECADD
03
Advanced-stage (III–IV): 6 cycles of ABVD or BrECADD with PET-adapted de-escalation
04
Relapsed/refractory: salvage chemotherapy (DHAP, ICE, GVD) and autologous stem cell transplant
05
PD-1 inhibitors: nivolumab, pembrolizumab after transplant relapse or BV failure
06
Brentuximab vedotin: anti-CD30 ADC in salvage and first-line combinations

Which Department to Visit?

You can visit our Hematoloji department for these complaints. Our specialist physicians will create the most suitable treatment plan for you.

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Health Disclaimer: The information on this page is prepared for general informational purposes only. It does not replace medical diagnosis and treatment. Please consult your physician for your complaints. Saygı Hospital does not accept responsibility for actions taken based on the information on this page.