What is Hodgkin Lymphoma (HL) and How Is It Treated?

What is Hodgkin Lymphoma (HL)? Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Treatment

Hodgkin lymphoma (HL) is a type of cancer that begins in the lymphatic system and is characterized by the presence of Reed-Sternberg cells. This disease typically causes swollen lymph nodes in the neck, armpits, or groin. Treatment usually involves chemotherapy, radiotherapy, or a combination of both. In some cases, more advanced treatment methods such as stem cell transplantation may be required. With early detection and the application of appropriate treatment methods, a large majority of Hodgkin lymphoma patients can be completely cured.

What is Hodgkin Lymphoma (HL)?

Hodgkin lymphoma is a group of blood cancers that occur in the body's lymphatic system. These blood cancers begin to form in lymphocytes. Lymphocytes are white blood cells that function in the lymphatic system. Although Hodgkin lymphomas are relatively rare, they are one of the most common types of cancer in young adults.

What Are the Symptoms of Hodgkin Lymphoma?

Hodgkin lymphoma occurs when B cells mutate or develop genetic changes. B cells are white blood cells that help fight infection. When these cells mutate, they form abnormal cancerous cells called Reed-Sternberg cells. The most common symptoms are painless, swollen lymph nodes in the neck, armpit, or groin. Symptoms of Hodgkin lymphoma may include:

Swollen lymph nodes: The most prominent and common symptom of Hodgkin lymphoma is painless, swollen lymph nodes, usually in the neck, armpit, or groin areas. Swollen lymph nodes occur as a result of the accumulation and growth of lymphoma cells in the lymphatic system. Over time, these swellings become prominent and can put pressure on surrounding tissues, which can cause discomfort and, in some cases, pain.

Unexplained fever: The fever seen in Hodgkin lymphoma patients is usually a type of fever that occurs intermittently and for which there is no explained cause. This fever is often more pronounced in the evenings and at night and may be accompanied by sweating. Fever occurs as a reaction of the body to lymphoma cells and indicates that the immune system is active.

Night sweats: Night sweats are a common symptom in Hodgkin lymphoma patients and usually occur in an intense and uncomfortable manner. These sweats can interrupt the patient's sleep and cause serious discomfort. Night sweats develop as part of the body's reaction to infection or lymphoma cells. In the long term, persistent night sweats can significantly reduce the patient's quality of life and contribute to fatigue.

Unexplained weight loss: In Hodgkin lymphoma patients, losing more than 10% of body weight within a short period, usually six months, is a common occurrence. This weight loss is usually accompanied by loss of appetite and lack of energy. The body spends more energy to fight lymphoma cells, which leads to weight loss. Weight loss can weaken the patient's overall health and immune system, which can make the treatment process more difficult.

Fatigue: Hodgkin lymphoma can cause a constant feeling of fatigue and weakness, which can lead to difficulty in performing daily activities. This fatigue stems from the effects of lymphoma cells on the body and the energy the immune system spends to fight these cells.

Itching of the skin: In some patients, especially after bathing, uncomfortable itching may occur. Although the exact cause of this itching is unknown, it may be related to substances released from lymphoma cells. Itching can be concentrated especially on the legs, arms, and torso and can make the patient's daily life difficult.

Abdominal pain and swelling: The enlargement of lymph nodes in the abdominal region can affect the intestines or other organs, causing abdominal pain, swelling, and digestive problems. This condition occurs due to blockages and inflammation resulting from the pressure of the lymph nodes.

Chest pain: In Hodgkin lymphoma patients, chest pain may occur as a result of the enlargement of lymph nodes in the chest area. Chest pain is caused by the pressure of the lymph nodes on the lungs and other chest structures.

What Are the Causes of Hodgkin Lymphoma?

Hodgkin lymphomas occur when the body produces too many leukocytes or white blood cells. Today, the exact cause of this is still unknown. Acquired genetic mutations that affect white blood cell growth may play a role. Additionally, some infections that affect the immune system may increase the likelihood of developing Hodgkin lymphoma. Some factors that may increase your risk of developing Hodgkin lymphoma may include:

Age and gender: The likelihood of developing Hodgkin lymphoma may be higher in young adults between the ages of 20-40 and in people over 65. The likelihood of developing Hodgkin lymphoma is slightly higher in men than in women. Demographic factors such as age and gender are among the important factors affecting the incidence of the disease.

Genetic factors: Genetic predisposition may play an important role in the development of Hodgkin lymphoma. People with a family history of Hodgkin lymphoma or other types of lymphoma may have a higher chance of developing this disease.

Immune system disorders: Immune system disorders such as HIV/AIDS can increase the risk of the condition. Additionally, this risk may also increase in patients receiving immunosuppressive therapy after organ transplantation.

How Is Hodgkin Lymphoma Diagnosed?

Early diagnosis of Hodgkin lymphoma can allow treatment to begin more quickly, increasing the chances of controlling the disease and achieving a complete cure. The diagnostic process usually begins with the doctor taking the patient's medical history and performing a physical examination. During the physical examination, the doctor checks the patient's neck, armpit, and groin areas for swollen lymph nodes and evaluates whether there are any abnormalities. They may request tests for a definitive diagnosis. Some tests used in the diagnosis of bladder cancer are as follows:

Blood tests: The patient's blood can be tested for viruses linked to Hodgkin lymphoma and substances that may be signs of the disease. A complete blood count (CBC) provides information about the patient's general health status and checks lymphocyte, white blood cell, and platelet levels. Additionally, erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) levels are measured. These tests can help assess whether there is an infection or inflammation in the body and the spread of cancer cells.

Imaging methods: Various imaging methods are used in the diagnosis of Hodgkin lymphoma. Computed tomography (CT) scans are commonly used to evaluate the size and spread of lymph nodes. MRI and PET scans can also be useful in determining the distribution and activity of lymphoma cells in the body.

Biopsy: A biopsy can be used for a definitive diagnosis of Hodgkin lymphoma. During a biopsy, a sample is taken from a suspicious lymph node or other affected tissues. This tissue sample is examined under a microscope and checked for the presence of Reed-Sternberg cells. Reed-Sternberg cells are the characteristic cells of Hodgkin lymphoma and play a critical role in confirming the diagnosis.

Bone marrow biopsy: It can be used to determine whether Hodgkin lymphoma has spread to the bone marrow. During this procedure, a bone marrow sample is taken from the hip bone and examined in the laboratory. A bone marrow biopsy helps determine the stage and spread of the disease.

What Are the Treatment Methods for Hodgkin Lymphoma?

Treatment options for Hodgkin lymphoma are planned by specialist doctors according to certain factors such as the type of cancer, the grade of the cancer, and the stage of the cancer. Hodgkin lymphoma treatment methods may include:

Chemotherapy: Chemotherapy is one of the most commonly used methods in the treatment of Hodgkin lymphoma. Chemotherapy drugs are preferred to kill fast-growing cancer cells or stop them from growing.

Radiotherapy: Radiotherapy is a method of killing cancer cells using high-energy radiation. In Hodgkin lymphoma treatment, radiotherapy is usually used after chemotherapy to destroy remaining cancer cells. Radiotherapy can cause tumors to shrink by destroying lymphoma cells by sending targeted beams to a specific area.

Stem cell transplantation: In cases of advanced stage or relapsed (recurring) disease, stem cell transplantation may be applied. Stem cell transplantation is performed using the patient's own stem cells (autologous transplant) or stem cells taken from a suitable donor (allogeneic transplant). Before the transplant, high-dose chemotherapy or radiotherapy is applied to destroy existing cancer cells. Then, stem cells are given to the patient, and these cells can begin to produce new, healthy blood cells.

Immunotherapy: Immunotherapy is a treatment method that aims to fight cancer cells by strengthening the immune system. Immunotherapy drugs can be used in the treatment of Hodgkin lymphoma. These drugs can make it easier for the immune system to recognize and destroy cancer cells. Immunotherapy can be particularly useful for Hodgkin lymphoma patients who do not respond to other treatments or who have relapsed.

Targeted therapy: Targeted therapy uses drugs that work by targeting specific characteristics of cancer cells. These drugs can be effective by stopping the growth and spread processes of cancer cells.

What Is the Role of Chemotherapy and Radiotherapy in Hodgkin Lymphoma?

In the treatment of Hodgkin lymphoma, chemotherapy is used to target fast-growing cancer cells to kill them or stop them from growing. Radiotherapy, on the other hand, aims to destroy cancer cells using high-energy beams and is usually used to target tumor cells remaining after chemotherapy. Both chemotherapy and radiotherapy play a complementary role in the treatment of Hodgkin lymphoma, supporting the control of the disease and the recovery process.

Frequently Asked Questions

Hodgkin lymphoma can be seen more frequently in young adults between the ages of 20-40 and in people over 65. This disease, which is slightly more common in men than in women, may carry a higher risk in people with weakened immune systems and in people with certain genetic predispositions. Methods such as chemotherapy, radiotherapy, and stem cell transplantation are commonly used in the treatment of Hodgkin lymphoma. In advanced stages or relapsed cases, transplantation of the patient's own stem cells or stem cells taken from a donor may also be recommended. Hodgkin lymphoma treatment can have side effects, and these effects vary depending on the treatment method used. Chemotherapy can cause side effects such as hair loss, nausea, fatigue, and an increased risk of infection. Radiotherapy can cause skin irritation, fatigue, and temporary discomfort in other organs depending on the treated area. Stopping the progression of Hodgkin lymphoma is largely possible today with early diagnosis and modern treatment methods. Standard treatment options such as chemotherapy and radiotherapy can control the disease and prevent tumors from shrinking and spreading. Additionally, advanced treatment methods such as stem cell transplantation and immunotherapy can be effective in stopping the progression of the disease, especially in advanced stages or relapsed cases. Non-Hodgkin lymphoma is a type of cancer that begins in the lymphatic system, which is part of the body's germ-fighting immune system. Non-Hodgkin lymphoma is a general category of lymphoma. There are many subtypes that fall into this category. Both Hodgkin lymphoma and non-Hodgkin lymphoma are types of lymphoma. The main difference between Hodgkin lymphoma and non-Hodgkin lymphoma is the specific lymphocytes found in each. Hodgkin lymphoma is characterized by the presence of specific large, abnormal cells known as Reed-Sternberg cells. Non-Hodgkin lymphoma usually does not contain these cells and can originate from a wider variety of lymphocyte subtypes. It is a type of lymphoma that originates from B lymphocytes. This type of lymphoma occurs as a result of the uncontrolled growth and proliferation of B cells and can have various subtypes. Follicular non-Hodgkin lymphoma is a subtype of B-cell non-Hodgkin lymphoma and usually shows a slow-growing course. This type of lymphoma, which originates from lymph nodes, mostly appears as swellings or masses in the lymph glands. Non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL) is a type of cancer that occurs when cells of the lymphatic system (the body's immune system that fights infections) proliferate abnormally and form tumors.

Early diagnosis of Hodgkin lymphoma can allow treatment to begin more quickly, increasing the chances of controlling the disease and achieving a complete cure. Therefore, regular doctor check-ups are important. Additionally, JCI (Joint Commission International) accreditation shows that hospitals provide quality healthcare services at international standards, and you can receive quality healthcare services at international standards in hospitals that have this certificate.

If you are experiencing symptoms of Hodgkin lymphoma, you can make an appointment with our Hisar Hospital specialists to start treatment immediately. Visit our Appointment or Contact page.