Hodgkin's lymphoma

Lymphoma means cancer which starts in the lymphatic system. There are two main types – Hodgkin’s lymphoma and non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma. The two types are different and are treated differently. The information below is about Hodgkin’s lymphoma.

The Lymphatic System
The lymphatic system forms part of our immune system which helps the body fight against disease and infection. It consists of the spleen and bone marrow (amongst other things) and is connected with lots of vessels (or tubes) that are joined together by the lymph glands – also known as lymph nodes.

Lymph glands swell when the body is fighting a virus for example and become noticeable under the armpits or in the neck or groin.

It is most common in children over five years old.

The main symptom of Hodgkin’s lymphoma is swelling in a gland. It is usually painless and lasts for some time. The swelling often starts in the neck, but can start in the armpit or groin.

The main way to diagnose Hodgkin’s lymphoma is to perform a biopsy on part of the swollen gland. CT scans, X-rays and blood tests will help determine the position and spread of the disease.

Hodgkin’s lymphoma is treated using chemotherapy and sometimes radiotherapy. Its treatment will depend upon the stage of the disease and the response to treatment.(Because the stages are very specific parents can contact a member of their child’s care team for further information about the different stages.)

Chemotherapy
Chemotherapy is the main type of treatment for Hodgkin’s lymphoma. The aim is to kill the cancer cells and a combination of drugs is usually given. The treatment is usually given over a number of months.

Radiotherapy
This is used if the disease remains active after chemotherapy, or subsequently relapses.

High-dose chemotherapy with accompanying stem cell support can be used if the disease does not respond to chemotherapy, or returns after initial treatment.

The side-effects associated with chemotherapy are tiredness, sickness and diarrhoea, temporary hair loss and infection, all of which can be managed with help from the child’s Consultant or nursing team.  For more information about side-effects please visit our side-effects section.

Long term side-effects
The treatment for Hodgkin’s lymphoma has been associated, in some children, with long term side-effects including possible infertility and the increased risk of having a second tumour later in life. However, new treatment protocols are aiming to reduce this risk, and parent’s can talk to their child’s consultant for further information.

Follow-up care
All children will need to be regularly monitored at an outpatient’s clinic. The Consultant will be looking for any signs that the cancer has returned (relapse) and checking the functions of major organs to make sure that they have not been affected by the cancer treatment.