Lymphoma Explained: Hodgkin And Non-Hodgkin Types You Need To Know

Lymphoma is among the most common types of blood cancer worldwide. In recent years, advances in oncology have significantly improved outcomes for people living with this disease. Innovative approaches such as targeted therapies and personalized cancer treatments are transforming how lymphoma is managed, providing patients with better survival prospects and an enhanced quality of life. 

Today, lymphoma care reflects the progress of modern medicine, combining scientific innovation with comprehensive support to help patients face cancer with knowledge and confidence. 

What is Lymphoma?

Lymphoma is a type of cancer that begins in lymphocytes, a kind of white blood cell responsible for protecting your body from infections and diseases. These cells are part of the immune system, which works like your body’s defense army. Sometimes, these cells malfunction and start growing uncontrollably. This abnormal growth forms tumors or lumps in your lymphatic system, the network that includes lymph nodes, spleen, bone marrow, and other organs that help defend your body.

Early and accurate diagnosis is critical because it determines the right treatment path. Treatments can range from close monitoring to aggressive therapies. Advances in medicine mean many people with lymphoma now live long, full lives.

Symptoms of Lymphoma

Lymphoma symptoms often develop slowly and may seem mild at first, which can delay diagnosis. However, knowing the signs can help you seek medical advice sooner:

• Swollen lymph nodes: Often painless lumps in the neck, armpits, or groin that do not go away
• Unexplained fever: Persistent fevers without infection
• Night sweats: Drenching sweats that may require changing clothes or bedding
• Fatigue: Feeling tired despite enough rest
• Unintentional weight loss: Losing weight without trying
• Itchy skin: Sometimes widespread or in patches
• Persistent cough or chest pain: If lymph nodes in the chest are involved
• Abdominal pain or swelling: Caused by enlarged spleen or lymph nodes in the abdomen

These symptoms can be caused by other illnesses as well, so a professional evaluation is necessary for an accurate diagnosis.

Diagnostic Process

Diagnosing lymphoma requires multiple steps to ensure doctors know the exact type and stage of the disease. This detailed process allows for the most effective, personalized treatment plan:

• Physical Examination: Doctors check for swollen lymph nodes or enlarged organs
• Biopsy: A small sample of lymph node or other affected tissue is taken for microscopic examination to confirm lymphoma and identify the subtype
• Imaging Tests: CT scans, PET scans, and MRIs show where the lymphoma is in the body and how far it has spread
• Blood Tests: These evaluate overall health and organ function, and sometimes detect lymphoma markers
• Bone Marrow Biopsy: In some cases, doctors examine bone marrow to see if lymphoma has spread there

After diagnosis, staging determines how advanced the lymphoma is, which guides treatment options. This thorough workup helps doctors create a treatment plan tailored to your lymphoma’s characteristics.

Types of Lymphoma: Hodgkin vs Non-Hodgkin

Lymphoma is classified into two main categories: Hodgkin lymphoma and non-Hodgkin lymphoma. Understanding the differences between these types is essential for proper diagnosis and effective treatment.

Hodgkin lymphoma typically spreads in a predictable, stepwise pattern, moving from one group of lymph nodes to the next. Non-Hodgkin lymphoma, on the other hand, often spreads in a less predictable way, sometimes skipping over lymph node regions or appearing in distant sites like the bone marrow or gastrointestinal tract.

While this general rule helps guide diagnosis and staging, it’s important to note that real-world patterns can vary depending on the subtype of lymphoma and the individual patient’s condition.

Hodgkin Lymphoma

Hodgkin lymphoma is a specific type of lymphoma that can be identified by the presence of abnormal cells called Reed-Sternberg cells. These cells are detected during a biopsy and are a key factor in diagnosing the disease. It often begins in the lymph nodes and tends to spread in a predictable pattern, which makes it easier to treat in many cases. It is considered one of the most treatable forms of cancer, especially when diagnosed early.

Key facts:

• Most common in adolescents and young adults, but it can occur at any age
• Common symptoms include painless swollen lymph nodes, night sweats, fever, and weight loss
• The disease spreads in an orderly way, typically from one group of lymph nodes to another

Hodgkin Lymphoma Subtypes

Hodgkin lymphoma is not a single disease but a category that includes several subtypes, each with its own behavior, prognosis, and treatment considerations. The two major forms are Classical Hodgkin Lymphoma (cHL) and Nodular Lymphocyte-Predominant Hodgkin Lymphoma (NLPHL). Classical Hodgkin lymphoma itself includes several subtypes, such as nodular sclerosis, mixed cellularity, lymphocyte-rich, and lymphocyte-depleted. These subtypes differ in how they present, how aggressive they are, and how they respond to treatment.

Treatment options include:

• Chemotherapy, often using well-established regimens such as ABVD
• Radiation therapy, particularly in localized stages or after chemotherapy
• Supportive care to manage side effects like fatigue, nausea, and infection
• Ongoing follow-up care to monitor for relapse and support long-term recovery

Hodgkin lymphoma has a high treatment success rate. Many patients go on to live long and healthy lives after treatment.

Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma

Non-Hodgkin lymphoma includes a wide range of lymphomas that do not involve Reed-Sternberg cells. There are over 60 subtypes (like Diffuse Large B-Cell Lymphoma (DLBCL),Follicular Lymphoma, Mantle Cell Lymphoma, Burkitt Lymphoma, and Peripheral T-Cell Lymphomas),making it a more complex and varied group of diseases. It can develop in lymph nodes or in other parts of the body, including organs such as the stomach or skin. It may grow slowly (indolent) or very quickly (aggressive),and treatment plans are tailored accordingly.

Key facts:

• More common in older adults, although it can affect people of any age
• Symptoms vary depending on the subtype, but often include swollen lymph nodes, fatigue, fever, and unexplained weight loss
• May appear in multiple locations in the body and spread in an unpredictable manner

Treatment options include:

• Chemotherapy, either alone or combined with other therapies
• Immunotherapy, such as monoclonal antibodies that help the immune system target cancer cells
• Targeted therapy that blocks specific pathways used by cancer cells to grow
• Stem cell transplantation in cases where the disease is aggressive or returns after treatment
• Radiation therapy for localized tumors or symptom relief
• Continuous follow-up and supportive care to improve quality of life and track treatment success

The outlook for Non-Hodgkin lymphoma varies widely depending on the specific type and how early it is diagnosed. Advances in therapy have significantly improved survival and quality of life for many patients.

Key Differences Between Hodgkin and Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma

While both affect the lymphatic system, Hodgkin and non-Hodgkin lymphomas differ significantly in the types of cells involved, disease progression, and treatment options. Below is a comparison table to help clarify these important distinctions. 

Living with Lymphoma: Support and Care

A lymphoma diagnosis affects more than just the body. Emotional and social support plays a crucial role in healing:

• Counseling and Support Groups: Patients and families can share experiences, reduce isolation, and develop coping strategies

• Nutritional Guidance: Helps patients maintain strength and manage side effects of treatment

• Physical Rehabilitation: Exercises and therapies restore energy, reduce fatigue, and improve quality of life

• Patient Education: Understanding lymphoma empowers you to make informed decisions and take an active role in your care

Biruni Hospital emphasizes holistic care, recognizing that true healing means supporting your mind and body.

Taking the next step

If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with lymphoma, seeking expert care is essential. Turkey offers world-class medical expertise combined with compassionate support. Biruni Hospital leads the way in lymphoma treatment, ensuring you receive the best care tailored to your unique needs.