What is Hodgkin's Lymphoma?

Hodgkin lymphoma is a cancer of the lymphatic system. There are two main types of lymphoma: Hodgkin lymphoma (HL) and non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL). Only about 1 in 5 of all lymphomas diagnosed (20%) are Hodgkin lymphoma. Just over 1,600 people are diagnosed with Hodgkin lymphoma in the UK each year.

In most cases of Hodgkin lymphoma, a particular cell called the Reed-Sternberg cell is found when cells from the lymph node are examined during diagnosis. This cell isn’t usually found in other types of lymphoma.  It’s thought that Reed-Sternberg cells are a type of white blood cell - a B-cell that has become cancerous. B-cells normally make antibodies to fight infection.

Hodgkin lymphoma is not infectious and can’t be passed on to other people.

The cause of Hodgkin lymphoma remains unknown.