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Lymphoma, broadly, describes a type of cancer that develops in the lymph system, a complex network made up of organs, nodes, ducts, and vessels. Lymph, a clear or white fluid consisting of white blood cells, also known as lymphocytes, and intestinal fluid, called chyle. The lymphatic system transports lymph between bodily tissues and the blood, and the movement of lymphocytes throughout the body is an essential component of the immune response. Lymphoma is divided into two main classifications: Hodgkin lymphoma and non-Hodgkin Lymphoma (NHL). While both Hodgkin and non-Hodgkin’s lymphomas impact the lymph system, doctors can distinguish them by evaluating a biopsy for Reed-Sternberg cells, present only in Hodgkin lymphoma. Reed-Stemberg cells originate from lymphocytes that have mutated to become enlarged and multinucleated. NHL can be divided into more than 30 subtypes, including aggressive cancers like Burkitt lymphoma, diffuse large B cell lymphoma, and mantle cell lymphoma, and slower-growing cancers like follicular lymphoma, cutaneous T-cell lymphoma, and marginal zone B-cell lymphoma. Hodgkin lymphoma is a relatively rare malignancy with less than 9,000 new diagnoses expected in the US in 2022. On the other hand, NHL remains one of the most common cancers, with over 80,000 new cases expected. When diagnosed early, both types of lymphoma respond well to established treatments, and both have favorable five-year survival rates, currently 87%, and 73% for Hodgkin and NHL respectively. Because NHL, often diagnosed at a later stage than Hodgkin lymphoma, generates a broader range of treatment modalities. Hodgkin lymphoma is generally treated with chemotherapy or radiotherapy. Occasionally, cancers not responding to these standard approaches may be treated with targeted therapies or immunotherapies. Compared to Hodgkin Lymphoma, many more subtypes of NHL exist, making the disease more challenging to treat in a broad sense. In fact, NHL has nine standard treatments chosen based on an individual patient's clinical and demographic characteristics. In addition to chemotherapy or radiotherapy treatment options, emerging targeted therapies and immunotherapeutic approaches have become more common. Several monoclonal antibodies, manufactured proteins that seek out a specific target on the surface of lymphocytes, have become standard treatments for types of NHL. One monoclonal antibody, rituximab, targets a molecule called CD20. When administered, rituximab is directed towards CD20 expressing lymphoma cells where it attacks the cancer cell. Other targeted therapies used for treating NHL include proteasome inhibitors. Proteasomes, molecules that degrade damaged proteins, facilitate cancer cell survival by clearing out unneeded cellular components. When a proteasome inhibitor, such as Bortezomib, blocks this “clean-up” process, damaged proteins build up in the cell, causing it to die. Immunotherapies, which boost a patient’s own immune system to help it better attack cancer cells, have also emerged as a viable NHL treatment. CAR T cells, T cells specially engineered to seek out and destroy a patient’s cancer cells, are used in some cases where lymphoma has relapsed or not responded to treatment. Stay tuned to upcoming Labroots articles on new advances in lymphoma research! Sources: NCI (Hodgkin lymphoma), NCI (non-Hodgkin Lymphoma), NCI Visuals Online Non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma is more common than Hodgkin’s lymphoma, with around 70,000 new cases each year in the United States versus 8000 for Hodkin's disease Hodgkin’s vs. non-Hodgkin’s causes | Prevalence | Symptoms | Diagnosis | Treatments | Risk factors | Prevention | FAQs | Resources Hodgkin’s and non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma (NHL) are two types of lymphomas. These cancers affect the lymphocytes, which are important white blood cells of the immune system that fight off germs. Because they have similar names, Hodgkin’s and non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma can often be confused for one another. The main difference between these lymphomas is in the type of lymphocyte they affect. Hodgkin’s lymphoma causes mutations that lead to the development of abnormal lymphocytes called Reed-Sternberg cells. These cells are large, abnormal cells that are characteristic of Hodgkin’s lymphoma. Hodgkin’s and non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma can also differ in treatment options and risk factors. Continue reading to learn more about the differences between Hodgkin’s and non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma. CausesHodgkin’sThe exact cause of Hodgkin’s lymphoma, sometimes referred to as Hodgkin’s disease, is unknown. However, DNA mutations, or changes, in B cell lymphocytes lead to the development of Reed-Sternberg cells that can grow and spread to other parts of the body. Exposure to radiation or other cancer-causing substances can also accelerate the development of cancers like Hodgkin’s lymphoma. Cancer research is still ongoing to determine the exact genetic changes and DNA mutations that cause Hodgkin’s lymphoma. Non-Hodgkin’sThe exact cause of non-Hodgkin’s is unknown. Like other forms of blood cancers, including Hodgkin’s lymphoma, non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma is linked to DNA mutations in lymphocytes. Mutations in lymphocytes can lead to abnormal cancer cells that can spread throughout the lymphatic system to other parts of the body. Exposure to certain infections and carcinogenic substances can contribute to lymphocyte changes over time.
PrevalenceHodgkin’sHodgkin’s lymphoma is less common than non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma. Each year, Hodgkin’s lymphoma affects around 8,000 people in the United States. It is primarily diagnosed in people aged 20 to 40 years, although many people are diagnosed with Hodgkin’s at age 55 and older. The median age of diagnosis is 39. Hodgkin’s lymphoma is more common in men than in women, and, in children, 85% of cases arise in boys. Overall, Hodgkin’s lymphoma accounts for around 6% of childhood cancers diagnosed. Non-Hodgkin’sNon-Hodgkin’s lymphoma is more common than Hodgkin’s lymphoma, with around 70,000 new cases each year in the United States. Non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma is more common in older adults over the age of 60. The median age of diagnosis is 67. Like Hodgkin’s lymphoma, non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma is more common in men than in women. It is also common in children; non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma accounts for approximately 7% of childhood cancers diagnosed.
SymptomsHodgkin’sThe most common symptoms of Hodgkin’s lymphoma include swelling of the lymph nodes that first appears in the neck, chest, or underarms. In advanced-stage disease, lymph nodes in other parts of the body can become swollen. Symptoms of Hodgkin’s lymphoma may also include what is known as the B symptoms. These symptoms consist of heavy sweating at night, high fevers, and a loss of more than 10% body weight over 6 months. Other symptoms can include lymph node pain after drinking alcohol, fatigue, chills, itchy skin, and an enlarged liver or spleen. Non-Hodgkin’sSwollen lymph nodes are also a common symptom in non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma. However, swelling may first appear in lymph nodes in different parts of the body, such as the groin or abdomen. Swelling can then spread to other lymph nodes as the disease progresses. B symptoms, such as night sweats, fever, and weight loss over six months, are also common with non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma depending on the severity of the cancer. Fatigue, itching, and an enlarged liver or spleen are other possible symptoms of non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma.
DiagnosisHodgkin’sHodgkin’s lymphoma is typically diagnosed by an oncologist. The doctor will first start with imaging tests, like an X-ray or MRI, and a physical exam to evaluate swelling in the lymph nodes. Lumbar punctures, blood tests, and bone marrow tests may also be performed to check for any abnormal white blood cells. To confirm a diagnosis, the doctor will have to take a biopsy sample of the swollen lymph nodes. The presence of Reed-Sternberg cells can be identified under a microscope and are unique to Hodgkin’s lymphoma. Non-Hodgkin’sNon-Hodgkin’s lymphoma is diagnosed in much the same way as Hodgkin’s lymphoma. An oncologist will perform a physical exam and order imaging tests to find where swollen lymph nodes are in the body. They might also order blood tests to look for any abnormalities and rule out other diseases. A bone marrow biopsy will help to confirm the presence of cancer cells. A lumbar puncture can also determine whether cancer cells have spread to the cerebrospinal fluid.
TreatmentsHodgkin’sCancer treatment typically depends on the stage of cancer, the overall health condition of the person being treated, and other factors. Hodgkin’s lymphoma is considered a fast-growing cancer, and an aggressive treatment plan is usually recommended. Treatment for Hodgkin’s lymphoma includes a combination of chemotherapy and radiation therapy. Patients that don’t respond to chemotherapy may need a stem cell transplant or treatment with a biologic agent. Immunotherapy, which is a type of treatment that uses the immune system to fight the cancer cells, may also be recommended. Non-Hodgkin’sTreatment for non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma depends on the type of cancer, the stage of the cancer, the overall health condition of the person being treated, and other factors. Chemotherapy alone is usually the standard treatment for non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma. Radiation therapy or stem cell transplants are other potential treatment options. Immunotherapy may also be recommended in some cases. Sometimes, early treatment may not be needed for non-Hodgkin’s, and a doctor may recommend to watch and wait for symptoms to appear before treating it.
Risk factorsHodgkin’sThere are several risk factors that may play a role in the development of Hodgkin lymphoma. This type of lymphoma is more likely to occur in men than in women. According to the National Cancer Institute, those between the ages of 20 and 40 or over 55 years old have a higher risk of developing cancer. A family history of Hodgkin’s lymphoma or a past infection with Epstein-Barr virus, human T-cell lymphotropic virus, or human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) is also a possible risk factor. Non-Hodgkin’sRisk factors for developing non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma include male gender, age over 60, and a family history of non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma. Having a first-degree relative with NHL increases the risk of developing NHL. A past infection with Epstein-Barr virus, human T-cell lymphotropic virus, or human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) can also increase the risk of getting non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma.
PreventionHodgkin’sThe risk factors for Hodgkin’s lymphoma cannot be changed in most cases. Therefore, there’s no proven way to prevent Hodgkin’s lymphoma. An infection with HIV can increase the risk of developing Hodgkin’s lymphoma. Avoiding unprotected sex and IV drug use can reduce the risk of HIV infection. Non-Hodgkin’sRisk factors for non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma cannot be changed. Therefore, there is no sure way to prevent non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma. Preventing infection with HIV may help reduce the risk of developing non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma.
When to see a doctor for Hodgkin’s or non-Hodgkin’sIf you’re experiencing any potential signs or symptoms of cancer, you should see a doctor. Talk to a doctor if you’re experiencing any abnormal changes, like unexplained weight loss, swollen lymph nodes, or heavy night sweats. You may be referred to a doctor who specializes in oncological hematology, or those who study diseases and cancers of the blood. Your healthcare provider can guide you on available treatment options and their uses, administration, and potential side effects. Frequently asked questions about Hodgkin’s and non-Hodgkin’sWhat is the survival rate of Hodgkin’s and non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma?Overall, Hodgkin’s lymphoma is a highly treatable cancer when caught early with a 5-year survival rate of almost 90%. The 5-year survival rate of non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma is around 72%, according to the American Cancer Society. Is Hodgkin’s worse than non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma?The progression of Hodgkin’s lymphoma is typically more predictable than that of non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma. The prognosis of Hodgkin’s lymphoma is also better than that of non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma since non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma is often diagnosed at a more advanced stage. Both forms of blood cancer are treatable when caught early, however. What type of Hodgkin’s lymphoma or non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma do I have?There are different forms of lymphomas, and Hodgkin’s lymphoma and non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma can be further broken down into different subtypes. Subtypes of Hodgkin’s lymphoma include nodular sclerosis, mixed cellularity, lymphocyte-rich, and lymphocyte-depleted classical Hodgkin lymphoma. Subtypes of non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma include diffuse large B-cell lymphoma, Burkitt lymphoma, and mantle cell lymphoma. Resources
Which is more serious Hodgkin's or nonIs Hodgkin's worse than non-Hodgkin's lymphoma? The progression of Hodgkin's lymphoma is typically more predictable than that of non-Hodgkin's lymphoma. The prognosis of Hodgkin's lymphoma is also better than that of non-Hodgkin's lymphoma since non-Hodgkin's lymphoma is often diagnosed at a more advanced stage.
Is it better to have Hodgkin's or nonHodgkin's lymphoma is one of the most curable cancers. It typically has a better outlook than non-Hodgkin's lymphoma. However, many factors can affect your outlook, such as: your age.
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Difference between hodgkins lymphoma and non hodgkins
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