What is hodgkin lymphoma?

Hodgkin lymphoma is a cancer of lymphocytes. Lymphocytes are white blood cells that help fight infection. They live in your lymph nodes, spleen, bone marrow, and blood. Lymph nodes are small, bean-shaped glands in your neck, armpits, chest, belly, and groin. In Hodgkin lymphoma, a small number of large, unusual cells grow in the lymph nodes. They are called Reed-Sternberg cells. These cells send out signals that pull many normal immune cells around them. That is why the nodes swell. The most common first sign is a painless lump in the neck, above the collarbone, or in the armpit. Some people have a mass in the chest that is found on an X-ray.

When should I call my care team?

Fever of 100.4 F (38 C) or higher, or shaking chills; New cough, shortness of breath, or chest pain; Swelling of the face, neck, or arms, or new trouble swallowing or breathing when lying flat; Bleeding that will not stop, or new bruises or tiny red spots on the skin; Vomiting or diarrhea that will not stop, or you cannot keep fluids down; Severe belly pain, or bloody or black stools; Numbness or weakness that makes it hard to walk, hold things, or button clothes; Yellow skin or eyes, or very dark urine; Feeling dizzy, faint, or very weak.

Hodgkin lymphoma

Hodgkin lymphoma is a cancer of the lymph system that most people are cured of, even when it is found at a later stage.

Hi, I'm Rosa. Today we'll go through Hodgkin lymphoma together, one step at a time. I'll keep it simple, and you can pause me, go back, or skip ahead whenever you like. Just so you know, this is for learning only. It is not medical advice, so please check everything with your own doctor and care team. Okay, let's get started.

What Hodgkin lymphoma is

Let's start with the basics. Hodgkin lymphoma is a cancer of lymphocytes. Lymphocytes are white blood cells that fight infection. In Hodgkin lymphoma, large, unusual cells grow in the lymph nodes. Lymph nodes are small, bean-shaped glands. The first sign is often a painless lump in the neck or armpit. Some people get fevers, soaking night sweats, weight loss, or itching. It is most common in young adults, and in people over 60. Here is the good news. Most people with Hodgkin lymphoma are cured.

The main types

Let's talk briefly about the types. There are two main types. Classic Hodgkin lymphoma is by far the most common. About nine out of ten people have it. The other type is rare. Its long name is nodular lymphocyte-predominant. It usually grows slowly and is often found early. It is treated more gently. Children and teens are often treated in a children's cancer center. Older adults may get a gentler plan. Ask your care team which type you have.

Tests you may have

Now let's talk about tests. A biopsy is the key test. A surgeon removes a lymph node, or a needle takes a few pieces. It is checked under a microscope. A PET-CT scan shows where the lymphoma is. You will likely have this scan again partway through treatment. Blood tests check your counts, liver, kidneys, and swelling in the body. You may have a heart test and a breathing test before treatment. If you may want children later, ask about saving sperm or eggs now, before treatment starts.

Stages and risk groups

Next up, let's talk about stages. The stage tells how far the lymphoma has spread. There are four stages. Stages 1 and 2 are early stage. Stages 3 and 4 are advanced stage. Early stage is also split into two groups, favorable and unfavorable. Unfavorable can mean a big mass in the chest, or lymphoma in many areas. That group gets a little more treatment. A letter B means fevers, night sweats, or weight loss. Remember, most people with advanced stage are still cured.

Lab tests and PET results

Before we move to treatment, there are some things to know. Lab tests on your biopsy confirm the type. In classic Hodgkin lymphoma, the cells carry a marker called CD30. One medicine targets that marker. Another important result is your PET scan partway through treatment. If that scan is clear, you may get less treatment. For example, you may skip one drug or skip radiation. If it still shows lymphoma, your plan may be made stronger. Your doctor will explain your results.

Main treatment options

Now let's look at treatment. Most people get chemotherapy, a mix of four medicines given by vein. For advanced stage, one chemotherapy drug is often swapped for a newer medicine. One choice is an immune medicine that helps your body attack the lymphoma. Another choice carries a drug straight into the lymphoma cells. Early stage often needs only a few months of treatment. Some people also get a short course of radiation to one area. If the lymphoma comes back, there are good options. Many people are still cured. Clinical trials are research studies that may offer new options too.

Side effects and what helps

Let's talk about side effects. Treatment can lower the cells that fight germs. Wash your hands often, and call right away for a fever. Nausea medicine works best taken before you feel sick. Feeling very tired is common. Short walks and rest can help. One drug can hurt the lungs, so report a new cough or shortness of breath. Some medicines cause tingling in the hands and feet. Tell your team early. The immune medicine can affect the thyroid and other organs. Hair often grows back after treatment. We have a whole side effects guide on this site.

Living well after treatment

Last, let's talk about living well. After treatment, you will have regular checkups. Tell your team about new lumps, fevers, sweats, or itching. Because most people are cured young, long-term health matters. Some treatments can affect the heart, thyroid, or lungs years later. If you had chest radiation, breast checks may start early. Ask for a written survivorship plan. Not smoking and staying active both help a lot. Many people have healthy children after treatment. It is normal to feel worried or low. Support is there for you. Call right away for a fever or trouble breathing.

You did great today. That was a lot, and you took it one step at a time. Write down your questions and bring them to your next visit. Call your care team any time something worries you. Most people with Hodgkin lymphoma are cured, and you are not alone in this.

Call your care team right away if you have

Fever of 100.4 F (38 C) or higher, or shaking chills
New cough, shortness of breath, or chest pain
Swelling of the face, neck, or arms, or new trouble swallowing or breathing when lying flat
Bleeding that will not stop, or new bruises or tiny red spots on the skin
Vomiting or diarrhea that will not stop, or you cannot keep fluids down
Severe belly pain, or bloody or black stools
Numbness or weakness that makes it hard to walk, hold things, or button clothes
Yellow skin or eyes, or very dark urine
Feeling dizzy, faint, or very weak

Side effects: what helps

Sources

Quick answers

What is hodgkin lymphoma?: Hodgkin lymphoma is a cancer of lymphocytes. Lymphocytes are white blood cells that help fight infection. They live in your lymph nodes, spleen, bone marrow, and blood. Lymph nodes are small, bean-shaped glands in your neck, armpits, chest, belly, and groin. In Hodgkin lymphoma, a small number of large, unusual cells grow in the lymph nodes. They are called Reed-Sternberg cells. These cells send out signals that pull many normal immune cells around them. That is why the nodes swell. The most common first sign is a painless lump in the neck, above the collarbone, or in the armpit. Some people have a mass in the chest that is found on an X-ray.
When should I call my care team?: Fever of 100.4 F (38 C) or higher, or shaking chills; New cough, shortness of breath, or chest pain; Swelling of the face, neck, or arms, or new trouble swallowing or breathing when lying flat; Bleeding that will not stop, or new bruises or tiny red spots on the skin; Vomiting or diarrhea that will not stop, or you cannot keep fluids down; Severe belly pain, or bloody or black stools; Numbness or weakness that makes it hard to walk, hold things, or button clothes; Yellow skin or eyes, or very dark urine; Feeling dizzy, faint, or very weak.

Last updated: 2026-10-27. Medically reviewed by Veli Bakalov, MD, medical oncologist (October 2026). General education from Step by Step, the patient portal of HemeOncBuddy.