Introduction

Hodgkin’s lymphoma is cancer of the lymphatic tissue. Lymphatic tissue is part of the body's immune system that helps fight infections and other diseases. About 8,220 people in the United States will be diagnosed with Hodgkin’s lymphoma in 2008, according to the American Cancer Society. Hodgkin’s lymphoma is also known as Hodgkin’s disease.

Hodgkin's lymphoma may start in a lymph node, a group of lymph nodes, or other parts of the lymphatic system, such as the bone marrow and spleen. Lymph nodes are small, bean-shaped organs that make and store special white blood cells (known as lymphocytes), which fight infection. In Hodgkin's lymphoma, cells in the lymphatic system divide too quickly and grow without any order or control. The disease tends to spread from one group of lymph nodes to the next group. Eventually, it can spread to almost any other part of the body.

The first signs and symptoms of Hodgkin’s lymphoma may be similar to those of the flu, such as fever, fatigue, and night sweats. The fever may come and go over several days or weeks. Some people with Hodgkin’s lymphoma experience itching, tiredness, and decreased appetite. If the lymph nodes inside the chest are swollen, this creates pressure on the windpipe and can causes coughing or shortness of breath.

The cause of Hodgkin’s lymphoma is not known. However, Hodgkin's lymphoma occurs most often in people between 15 and 40 and those over the age of 55. It is more common in men than in women. The disease is also more common in brothers and sisters of those with Hodgkin's lymphoma. People exposed to the Epstein-Barr virus might have a greater chance of getting Hodgkin's lymphoma.