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Hodgkin lymphoma is a lymphoid cancer characterised by Reed-Sternberg cells, often presenting with painless lymph node swelling.
Quick Answer
Hodgkin lymphoma is a lymphoid cancer characterised by Reed-Sternberg cells, often presenting with painless lymph node swelling. Dr. Sachita Baniya (NMC 20158, 8+ years of clinical experience in haematology and haemato-oncology) evaluates hodgkin lymphoma at Kathmandu Neurology Clinic & Cognitive Center, 117 Lal Durbar Marg, Kathmandu, Bagmati Province 44600, Nepal — evidence-based, medically reviewed.
Hodgkin lymphoma usually arises in lymph nodes and spreads in an orderly pattern. It has high cure rates with modern chemotherapy and radiotherapy, but survivors need long-term surveillance for cardiac, pulmonary, thyroid and second-cancer risks.
Excisional lymph node biopsy with immunohistochemistry is preferred. PET-CT stages the disease, and baseline fertility, cardiac and pulmonary assessment informs treatment planning.
Early-stage disease is treated with chemotherapy with or without radiotherapy, guided by risk and interim response. Advanced disease receives multi-agent chemotherapy. Relapsed disease may be treated with salvage therapy, autologous transplant or novel agents.
Management is individualized and discussed with benefits, limitations, and follow-up.
There is no proven prevention. Avoiding unnecessary immune suppression and maintaining general health are reasonable measures.
Red flags — seek urgent care
Hodgkin lymphoma has a high cure rate with modern treatment, especially in early-stage disease. Prognosis depends on stage, risk factors and response, and is discussed individually.
PET-CT stages the disease and assesses response after treatment. Interim PET can guide whether therapy should be escalated or de-escalated.
Survivors need monitoring for cardiac and lung toxicity, thyroid dysfunction, infertility and second cancers. The exact risks depend on the treatment received.
Yes, relapse can occur, most often within the first few years. It may be treated with salvage chemotherapy, autologous transplant, radiotherapy or novel agents.
No. Radiotherapy is used for selected limited-stage or residual disease. Many patients are treated with chemotherapy alone or combined-modality therapy based on risk and response.
Some chemotherapy regimens can affect fertility. Fertility counselling and sperm banking or egg preservation should be discussed before treatment when time allows.
Follow-up includes clinical review, imaging when indicated, thyroid and cardiac assessment, vaccination review and screening for second cancers. A written survivorship plan is helpful.
It is more common in people with HIV and other immune suppression. HIV testing is part of the initial assessment in many settings.
Diagnosis, staging and treatment planning for Hodgkin and non-Hodgkin lymphomas.
Diagnostic bone marrow sampling for cytopenias, suspected blood cancer and treatment monitoring.
Long-term follow-up after blood cancer treatment and transplantation.
Non-Hodgkin lymphoma is a group of lymphoid cancers that includes indolent and aggressive subtypes.
Diffuse large B-cell lymphoma is the most common aggressive lymphoma, typically presenting as a rapidly growing mass.
Graft-versus-host disease is a complication of allogeneic transplant in which donor immune cells attack recipient tissues.
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Content on this website is for general educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. It is not a substitute for evaluation by a qualified healthcare professional. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified provider with any questions regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you have read on this website. In case of a medical emergency, contact emergency services immediately. No doctor–patient relationship is established by use of this site or by contacting the clinic through the site.
Reviewed by Dr. Jitendra Prasad Yadav • Last reviewed: 2026-11-10
Content is educational and aligns with standard medical references; individual evaluation may vary. External links provide context and do not imply endorsement.
Doctor — medically reviewed
Dr. Sachita Baniya
Consultant Haemato-Oncologist & Clinical Hematologist • MBBS, FCPS (Clinical Haematology) • NMC 20158
This condition guide was medically reviewed by Dr. Sachita Baniya.
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