Hodgkin's lymphoma, also known as Hodgkin lymphoma or Hodgkin disease, is a type of cancer that originates in the lymphatic system. It is characterized by the presence of abnormal cells called Reed-Sternberg cells, which are large, atypical lymphocytes. These cells are typically found in the lymph nodes, but can also affect other parts of the body.
Hodgkin's lymphoma is named after Thomas Hodgkin, an English physician who first described the disease in 1832. It is one of the two main types of lymphoma, the other being non-Hodgkin lymphoma. However, Hodgkin's lymphoma is less common, accounting for about 10% of all lymphoma cases.
There are several synonyms used to refer to Hodgkin's lymphoma. These include:
It is important to note that while these terms are used interchangeably, they all refer to the same disease. Hodgkin's lymphoma is characterized by specific symptoms, including painless swelling of lymph nodes, fatigue, fever, night sweats, and unexplained weight loss. It is diagnosed through various tests, such as biopsies, imaging scans, and blood tests.
Treatment for Hodgkin's lymphoma typically involves a combination of chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and in some cases, stem cell transplantation. The prognosis for Hodgkin's lymphoma has significantly improved over the years, with high cure rates, especially in early-stage cases.