Hodgkin’s lymphoma is a type of cancer that affects the lymphatic system, a fundamental part of the immune system responsible for fighting infections and diseases. It is a relatively rare malignant neoplasm, but with high cure rates when diagnosed and treated early. Knowledge about this condition is essential to raise awareness, accelerate diagnosis, and provide better outcomes for patients.
What is Hodgkin’s Lymphoma?
Hodgkin’s lymphoma is a cancer that originates in lymphocytes, a type of white blood cell. It was first described in 1832 by the British physician Thomas Hodgkin, from whom it takes its name.
The hallmark of this disease is the presence of so-called Reed-Sternberg cells, which are abnormal and can be identified under microscopic examination of lymphatic tissue. These cells serve as a diagnostic marker of Hodgkin’s lymphoma and distinguish it from other types of lymphoma.
Causes and Risk Factors
The exact cause of Hodgkin’s lymphoma is not yet fully understood, but several factors are associated with its development:
Age: it can occur at any age, but is most common in young adults (between 20 and 40 years) and in people over 55.
Viral infections: prior infection with the Epstein-Barr virus (EBV), which causes mononucleosis, may increase risk.
Family history: first-degree relatives of patients with Hodgkin’s lymphoma have a higher likelihood of developing the disease.
Immunosuppression: people with weakened immune systems, whether due to HIV, transplants, or prolonged use of immunosuppressive drugs, are at greater risk.
Symptoms of Hodgkin’s Lymphoma
Symptoms vary, but the main signs include:
Painless enlargement of lymph nodes (neck, armpits, or groin)
Persistent fever with no apparent cause
Unexplained weight loss
Excessive night sweats
Intense itching of the skin (pruritus)
Constant fatigue and weakness
Cough or chest pain, when enlarged lymph nodes press on structures in the chest
These symptoms, called B symptoms, are important for classifying the severity and stage of the disease.
Diagnosis
The diagnosis of Hodgkin’s lymphoma involves several tests:
Lymph node biopsy: essential to identify Reed-Sternberg cells
Imaging tests (CT scan and PET-Scan): help evaluate the extent of the disease
Blood tests: useful to monitor body function during treatment
Treatment of Hodgkin’s Lymphoma
Treatment depends on the stage of the disease, the patient’s age, and overall health. Main options include:
Chemotherapy: the backbone of treatment, usually given in cycles combining different drugs
Radiation therapy: used in early stages or in combination with chemotherapy
Targeted therapies and immunotherapy: new approaches, such as monoclonal antibodies (e.g., brentuximab vedotin) and immune checkpoint inhibitors, which stimulate the immune system to fight cancer cells
Bone marrow transplant: indicated in cases of relapse or when conventional treatments are not effective
Cure rates are high, especially with early diagnosis. In initial stages, more than 85% of patients achieve complete remission.
Prognosis
The prognosis of Hodgkin’s lymphoma is among the most favorable of blood cancers. Factors that influence outcomes include:
Stage of the disease at diagnosis
Patient’s age
Presence or absence of B symptoms
Initial response to treatment
With therapeutic advances, most patients can live long and healthy lives after treatment.
Curiosities, Myths, and Scientific Advances
Myth: “Hodgkin’s lymphoma is always fatal.”
Fact: Today, most patients are cured with available treatments.Curiosity: Hodgkin’s lymphoma was one of the first types of cancer to be successfully treated with combination chemotherapy, back in the 1960s.
Scientific advance: Immunotherapy is revolutionizing treatment, allowing patients who are resistant to chemotherapy to have new chances of response.
Lifestyle: There is no evidence that diet or individual habits cause Hodgkin’s lymphoma, but maintaining a healthy immune system contributes to overall disease prevention.
Conclusion
Hodgkin’s lymphoma, despite being a serious condition, has high cure rates and excellent treatment prospects, especially when diagnosed early. Awareness of symptoms, risk factors, and therapeutic options is fundamental to saving lives. In addition, scientific advances are opening increasingly promising paths for patients facing the disease.
