The Difference between Hodgkin and Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma

What Is Lymphoma?

Lymphoma begins in the lymphatic system. This system circulates lymph, a fluid consisting mostly of water, throughout the body. The lymphatic system includes:

• Tissues
• Vessels
• Organs, including bone marrow, lymph nodes, and the thymus, spleen, and tonsils
• Various other mucous membrane tissues located throughout the body

The function of the lymphatic system is to fight illness and maintain health. Lymph fluid delivers infection-fighting white blood cells (lymphocytes), as well as other substances, throughout the body to support immune function. Lymphoma develops when genetic mutations cause production of abnormal lymphocytes that cannot fight disease effectively.

As with all cancers, abnormal cells multiply and divide out of control, forming tumors. Lymphoma can spread rapidly, with the abnormal lymphocytes crowding out normal lymphocytes. Over time, the body becomes increasingly unable to fight the disease.

Hodgkin Lymphoma vs. Non-Hodgkin

There are many subtypes of lymphoma, but Hodgkin and non-Hodgkin are the most common. There are key differences between them:

Hodgkin Lymphoma

With Hodgkin lymphoma, Reed-Sternberg cells are present in the lymphatic system. This abnormal cell is a large, mutant lymphocyte. These cells multiply and divide rapidly and can form tumors., Reed-Sternberg cells often have more than one nucleus, giving them a distinctive appearance that is easy for physicians to identify under a microscope.

This form of the disease is less common than non-Hodgkin lymphoma, and is more likely to affect younger adults. Hodgkin lymphoma frequently presents in the upper body, such as in the armpits, chest, or neck. Symptoms commonly include:

• Persistent fatigue
• Fever
• Lymph node pain after alcohol consumption
• Night sweats
• Painless swelling of groin, armpit, or neck lymph nodes
• Severe itching
• Unintentional weight loss

Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma

More common than Hodgkin lymphoma, this subtype is not marked by the presence of Reed-Sternberg cells. Instead, typical abnormal lymphocytes are responsible for the cancer. Non-Hodgkin lymphoma is most common in adults over age 55. Symptoms commonly include:

• Abdominal swelling or pain
• Chest pain
• Coughing
• Fever
• Night sweats
• Persistent fatigue
• Swollen neck, armpit, or groin lymph nodes
• Trouble breathing
• Unintentional weight loss

Diagnosing Lymphoma

To detect lymphoma, physicians usually begin with a physical exam, followed by an X-ray to check for swollen lymph nodes. A blood test, lymph node biopsy, and bone marrow test often are performed to check for blood cell imbalances or abnormal, cancerous cells. The type of lymphoma is then determined, in part by checking for Reed-Sternberg cells under a microscope.

Regional Cancer Care Associates’ oncologists and hematologists generally are not involved in the early evaluation of possible cancer. Instead, RCCA physicians see patients on a referral basis after they have been diagnosed with cancer. They also can help confirm a diagnosis if a physician’s findings contain strong, suggestive evidence of cancer. Patients experiencing worrisome symptoms are encouraged to visit their primary care physicians or appropriate specialists right away.

Treating Hodgkin vs. Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma

Treatments for these types of lymphoma depend on their stage, the patient’s overall health, patient risk factors, and other considerations. Regional Cancer Care Associates uses a multidisciplinary approach to develop treatment plans for each individual. In collaboration with patients and their families, the team of experts considers all the patient’s preferences for treatment.

When it comes to treatment for Hodgkin and non-Hodgkin lymphoma, patients generally can expect the following:

Hodgkin Lymphoma Treatment

Because this type of lymphoma develops faster, more aggressive treatment is needed as soon as possible. Treatment may include:

• Chemotherapy
• Radiation therapy
• Targeted therapy
• Immunotherapy

Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma Treatment

This type of lymphoma usually is slow-spreading, so some patients might not require treatment at all. If this is the case, the patient’s condition is monitored over time. For non-Hodgkin lymphoma that begins to accelerate, chemotherapy or radiation therapy might be prescribed. In severe cases, a bone marrow transplant or more aggressive treatment options typically are recommended.

Raising Awareness of Lymphoma in NJ, CT, MD, and the Washington, D.C., Area

Regional Cancer Care Associates is standing by to provide best-in-class care for those diagnosed with lymphoma. For more information about oncology services in at one of RCCA’s conveniently located offices in New Jersey, Connecticut, Maryland, and the Washington, D.C., area, or to request an appointment, contact Regional Cancer Care Associates today.