Hodgkin lymphoma

There are two types of lymphoma – Hodgkin lymphoma and non-Hodgkin lymphoma. Both types develop when white blood cells become cancerous and form lumps (swollen lymph glands) in your body. In Hodgkin lymphoma, the cancerous cells are called Reed-Sternberg cells.

Children and adults of all ages can develop Hodgkin lymphoma - it’s most common in young adults and people over 75. About 2,000 people develop Hodgkin lymphoma each year in the UK.

Read more about Hodgkin lymphoma.

Order our free booklet now: 'Your blood cancer diagnosis - what happens now?'. It tells you the key things to know about blood cancer, including tips from other people who've been diagnosed.

Hear what Hinna, Leanne, Jamie and Emily say about the shock of being diagnosed with blood cancer:

You might find our information for family and friends helpful. It covers:

• how to support someone with blood cancer
• practical tips
• coping with your own emotions
• real stories from other friends and family members.

We don’t know exactly what causes Hodgkin lymphoma. Some factors that may increase your risk are:

• age
• sex
• lowered immunity
• Epstein-Barr virus
• family history

Read more about Hodgkin lymphoma causes.

A common symptom is lumps (swollen lymph glands) around the neck or collar bone.

Find more information on the symptoms of Hodgkin lymphoma.

You’ll need to have a number of tests and scans to confirm whether you have Hodgkin lymphoma. This will include blood tests and possibly a chest x-ray to look at your general health.

Learn more about Hodgkin lymphoma tests and diagnosis.

Hodgkin lymphoma is one of the most common cancers diagnosed in young adults.

Hinna, Leanne, Jamie and Emily share what the emotional impact of blood cancer was like:

And here Leanne talks honestly about how blood cancer affects your sex life, and how timing becomes so important:

Find more videos and information for young adults, covering diagnosis, treatment, side effects, the mental impact, friends and work or study.

Treatment for Hodgkin lymphoma is usually very successful. Your healthcare team will look at a number of things when deciding which treatments to recommend.

Chemotherapy is the main form of treatment. Some people will have radiotherapy or take steroids.

Treatment with chemotherapy, radiotherapy or steroids can cause a range of side effects, but you're unlikely to have all of them.

Find out more about Hodgkin lymphoma treatment.

We also have more information about side effects of Hodgkin lymphoma treatment.

The prognosis is generally good, especially if Hodgkin lymphoma is diagnosed early. For the majority of people, treatment leads to a cure.

Read more about the prognosis for Hodgkin lymphoma.

Clinical trials are how we find new treatments and improve current ones. We can help you find out about clinical trials for Hodgkin lymphoma. Even if you just want to know a bit more about Hodgkin lymphoma research, try our Clinical Trials Support Service.

Our research in lymphoma has focused on improving treatments. Read about our scientific impact on lymphoma.