Hodgkin’s Lymphoma (sometimes called Hodgkin’s disease) is a cancer of the lymph tissues found in the lymph nodes, spleen, liver, bone marrow, and other sites.
It is most common in people ages 15-35 and 50-70 and its cause is unknown. (Past infection with the Epstein-Barr virus is thought to contribute in some causes.)
The first symptoms are often a swollen lymph node, which appears for no reason. The disease can spread to nearby lymph nodes and later may spread (metastasize) to the spleen, liver, bone marrow or other organs.
If Hodgkin’s disease is suspected, a biopsy can be preformed. If tests reveal you do have Hodgkin's lymphoma, additional tests will be done to see if the cancer has spread. This is called staging. Staging helps guide future treatment and follow-up and gives you some idea of what to expect in the future.
Hodgkin’s disease is considered one of the most curable forms of cancer, especially if it is diagnosed and treated early. Unlike other cancers, Hodgkin's disease is often very curable even in late stages. People who survive 15 years after treatment more likely to later die from other causes than Hodgkin’s disease.