Hodgkin’s lymphoma, also known as Hodgkin’s disease, is a type of lymphoma, or cancer of the lymphoid tissue. Lymphoid tissue is part of the lymphatic system, a major component of the immune defense system. It consists of a network of organs, bone marrow, lymph nodes and vessels. This system manufactures and transports lymph (fluid made of plasma and white blood cells) from tissues to the bloodstream.

Lymphoma generally develops in the lymph nodes (small, bean-shaped organs located in various areas of the body). In some situations, it may develop in patches of lymphatic tissue in organs like the stomach or intestines.

There are two types of lymphoma, Hodgkin’s lymphoma and non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma. The cancer cells in Hodgkin’s lymphoma look different under a microscope than the cells of non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma. The cells associated with Hodgkin’s lymphoma (also called simply Hodgkin’s disease) are known as Reed-Sternberg cells. The disease is named after the physician who first identified it in 1832.

The cause of Hodgkin’s lymphoma has not been determined, but a number of factors may increase the risk of developing the disease. These risk factors include a compromised immune system and exposure to the Epstein Barr virus, which causes infectious mononucleosis.

Hodgkin’s lymphoma is a rare form of cancer that occurs in adults and children. It is most common in early adulthood (age 15 to 40) and late adulthood (after age 55). It is also more common in men. The American Cancer Society (ACS) estimates that about 7,350 new cases of Hodgkin’s lymphoma will be diagnosed in the United States in 2007.

Symptoms of Hodgkin’s lymphoma may include enlarged lymph nodes (swollen glands), night sweats and unexplained weight loss. Individuals who experience these symptoms are encouraged to contact their physician to determine the cause. If a physician suspects Hodgkin’s disease, a biopsy of the area may be ordered. The procedure involves removing a small sample of the lymph node tissue and examining it under a microscope.

After a diagnosis has been confirmed, the disease will be staged. Staging is the process of determining how far the cancer has spread and it is necessary for a physician to plan treatment. The lower the stage, the earlier the disease has been identified and the better the prognosis for recovery.

The main methods used to treat Hodgkin’s lymphoma are chemotherapy, radiation therapy and high-dose chemotherapy with blood restoring stem cell transplants.

Currently there are no established prevention methods for Hodgkin’s lymphoma. However, advances in diagnosis and treatment methods have helped to make the disease highly treatable with the potential for complete recovery in many patients. The death rates for this disease have decreased since the early 1970s.