Hodgkin Lymphoma
What is Hodgkin’s lymphoma? Also known as Hodgkin’s Disease, Hodgkin’s lymphoma is a disease in which malignant (cancer) cells form in the lymph system. It may then spread to the liver, lungs, or bone marrow.
Some of the most common first symptoms of Hodgkin’s lymphoma can include:
- Swelling of the lymph nodes (painless), often in the neck, armpits, or groin area
- Fever and chills
- Night sweats
- Weight loss
- Loss of appetite
- Itchy skin
Hodgkin Lymphoma 101
Learn more about Hodgkin lymphoma. In this guide, we will explore the symptoms, signs, screenings, stages, and treatment options for Hodgkin lymphoma. Whether you want to learn about early warning signs or treatments and prognosis, we’ve got you covered.
Hodgkin Lymphoma Patient Stories
Our community members dive deeper into their cancer stories than any others, sharing their first symptoms, different treatment paths and side effects, and reflections on the entire experience. Choose stories based on subtypes below.
Stephanie O., Hodgkin's, Stage 2B
Cancer details: Stage 2 with bulky disease
1st Symptoms: Shortness of breath, dry cough
Treatment: Stanford V chemotherapy (12 weeks, 1 infusion each week), radiation (20 days)
Fabiola L., Hodgkin's, Stage 2BX
Cancer details: Stage 2 with bulky disease, relapsed after 1st chemo. Remission after 2nd chemo & bone marrow transplant
1st Symptoms: Shortness of breath, dry cough, fatigue
Treatment: ABVD chemo (6 cycles), IGEV chemo, bone marrow transplant, BEAM chemo, brentuximab
Moe C., Hodgkin's, 2B, Relapse
Cancer details: Diagnosed at 19, relapsed before remission
1st Symptoms: Fatigue, weight loss, night sweats
Treatment: ABVD chemo, DHAP chemo, MINE-R chemo, splenectomy, autologous bone marrow transplant
Wade W., Hodgkin's, Stage 2A
Cancer details: Diagnosed at 18 years old
1st Symptoms: Enlarged lymph nodes (around neck), diagnosed at 18 years old
Treatment: ABVD chemotherapy (2 cycles), AVD chemotherapy (4 cycles)
Lauren C., Hodgkin's, Stage 2A
Cancer details: Diagnosed at 23 years old with nodular sclerosis, relapsed after 6 months of 1st-line treatment
1st Symptoms: Itchy body, enlarged lymph node over collar bone
Treatment: ABVD chemotherapy and ICE, radiation, and stem cell transplant for relapse
Helicon K., Hodgkin's, Stage 2A
Cancer details: Found lymphoma cells in adenoid tissue
1st Symptoms: Difficulty breathing with blockage in nose, surgery to remove tissue resulted in discovery of Hodgkin lymphoma cells
Treatment: ABVD chemotherapy (4 cycles), radiation (20 sessions)
Hodgkin Lymphoma Resources
Patient Self-Advocacy: A Conversation on Speaking Up for Ourselves Four incredible Hodgkin lymphoma patients/survivors share how they were able to advocate for themselves throughout their cancer care.
The Latest in Hodgkin Lymphoma with Dr. Matthew Matasar: Dr. Matthew Matasar with Rutgers Cancer Institute discusses emerging and most-promising therapy options for relapsed/refractory Hodgkin lymphoma patients and those newly-diagnosed.
Looking for non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma stories and resources? Visit the non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma stories page.
Hodgkin Lymphoma Oncologists & Experts
Read interviews from medical experts who specialize in blood cancers including Hodgkin’s lymphoma.
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