Hodgkin’s Lymphoma (Hodgkin’s disease) is a cancer of the lymphatic system that is marked by the presence of a type of cell called the Reed-Sternberg cell. Lymphomas that do not contain Reed-Sternberg cells are classified under the heading of “non-Hodgkin's lymphomas”.

The cause of Hodgkin's lymphoma is still uncertain and being researched. There is very persuasive evidence that at least some cases are associated with specific virus infections: the Epstein-Barr virus (EBV)  appears to be a factor, at least in some cases - appearing in about 40-50% of Hodgkin's cases, there are also links between Hodgkin's and the Measles virus.

This disease is characterized by progressive enlargement of the lymph nodes, liver and spleen, also accompanied by progressive anemia. The symptom that most people notice first is swollen lymph nodes. Here are some of the more common signs and symptoms:

• swollen lymph nodes in the neck, armpit, or groin area that don't go away
• unexplained fever
• night sweats
• weight loss over several months
• tiredness and weakness
• coughing or breathlessness
• itch all over the body

The diagnosis is confirmed by a biopsy.

After Hodgkin's lymphoma is diagnosed, a patient is staged in order to determine what areas of the body are affected by the disease. X-ray, CT, PET-CT and MRI scanning may also be valuable in evaluating disease current stage. The stage of the cancer is a determination of whether cancer is localized or has spread.

Stage 1: only 1 group of lymph nodes or lymphoma in one body organ only;     

Stage 2:  2 or more groups of lymph nodes or an organ and 1 or more group of lymph nodes (on one sides of the diaphragm);

Stage 3:  lymph nodes on both sides of the diaphragm have Hodgkin's lymphoma     

Stage 4:  many groups of lymph nodes contain the cancer and it has spread to body organs such as the liver, bones or lungs.

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