Hodgkins Lymphoma
Hodgkin’s lymphoma is the most common lymphoma in young people — and most of the young people who get it have never heard of it. This page is here to change that.
What is Hodgkin’s Lymphoma?
Hodgkin’s lymphoma (sometimes written as Hodgkin lymphoma, or HL) is a type of blood cancer that starts in the lymphatic system — the network of vessels, nodes and organs that helps your body fight infection.
It happens when a white blood cell called a lymphocyte becomes abnormal and starts multiplying out of control. These abnormal cells — called Reed-Sternberg cells — are what makes Hodgkin’s lymphoma distinct from other types of lymphoma. If Reed-Sternberg cells are present, it’s Hodgkin’s. If they’re not, it’s Non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma — a different disease with different treatment.
There are two main types of Hodgkin’s lymphoma: classical Hodgkin lymphoma (the most common) and nodular lymphocyte predominant Hodgkin lymphoma (NLPHL). Both behave differently and your medical team will confirm which type you have.
Not sure what the lymphatic system actually is? Start with our What is Lymphoma? page — it covers the basics.
Who Gets Hodgkin’s Lymphoma?
Around 2,166 people are diagnosed with Hodgkin’s lymphoma every year in the UK — that’s roughly six people every day. It can happen at any age, but it’s most common in two groups: people aged 15 to 34, and people over 60. Which means if you’re young and reading this, you’re exactly the age group this cancer targets most.
It’s also one of the most treatable cancers overall — particularly in young people diagnosed at an early stage. We’ll come to that.
What are the Symptoms of Hodgkin’s Lymphoma?
The most common first sign is a swollen lymph node — usually in your neck, armpit or groin — that doesn’t go away. It’s often painless, which is part of why people ignore it for so long.
Other symptoms can include:
- Extreme tiredness that doesn’t get better with rest
- Drenching night sweats (we’re talking: change the sheets)
- Unexplained weight loss
- Persistent itching with no obvious cause
- Temperatures that come and go, often at night
- A cough, breathlessness or chest pain if lymphoma is affecting the chest
Symptoms vary depending on where in the body the lymphoma develops. Some people have several of the above. Some people have almost none. Don’t wait until you tick every box.
How is Hodgkin’s Lymphoma Staged?
When you’re diagnosed, your doctors will “stage” the lymphoma. This just means working out how widespread it is — so they can decide on the right treatment. Staging runs from 1 to 4. Lower is more localised. Higher means it’s spread further. It sounds scary, but staging is a tool, not a sentence.
Stage 1
Lymphoma is found in one group of lymph nodes only, or in one organ outside the lymphatic system (this is called Stage 1E — the E stands for extranodal, meaning outside the nodes).
Stage 2
Lymphoma is in two or more groups of lymph nodes, but they’re all on the same side of the diaphragm (either all above or all below it). Stage 2E means it’s also in a nearby organ on that same side.
Stage 3
Lymphoma is present on both sides of the diaphragm — above and below.
Stage 4
The most advanced stage. Lymphoma has spread from the lymph nodes into at least one organ outside the lymphatic system — such as the lungs, liver, kidneys, bone marrow or bones.
A and B — What Do Those Letters Mean?
Your doctor might add a letter A or B to your stage. B means you have one or more of these symptoms: drenching night sweats, unintentional weight loss, or fevers that come and go. A means you don’t. People with B symptoms may need more intensive treatment — it’s not a worse prognosis, just more information for your medical team.
Bulky Disease
If you have a lymph node measuring 10cm or more, doctors may describe this as “bulky disease.” This can also affect treatment decisions.
Relapsed Hodgkin’s Lymphoma
Sometimes lymphoma comes back after treatment. This is called relapsed or recurrent disease. It isn’t staged in the same way as a first diagnosis, but it is very much still treatable — often successfully.
How is Hodgkin’s Lymphoma Treated?
Here’s the thing about Hodgkin’s lymphoma: it has one of the highest treatment success rates of any cancer. That’s not spin — it’s fact. Most people, especially those diagnosed early, respond very well to treatment.
Treatment usually involves one or a combination of:
- Chemotherapy — the most common treatment, often using a combination of drugs. ABVD (adriamycin, bleomycin, vinblastine and dacarbazine) is a standard regimen for Hodgkin’s lymphoma.
- Radiotherapy — targeted radiation, often used alongside chemo or for localised disease.
- Targeted therapy or immunotherapy — newer treatments that work by targeting specific cells or boosting the immune system’s ability to fight the cancer.
- Stem cell transplant — more commonly used for relapsed or refractory (treatment-resistant) disease.
Your treatment will depend on your stage, your symptoms, your age and your overall health. Your haematologist will talk you through what’s right for you.
For more detailed information on treatment, diagnosis and what to expect, head to the Lymphoma Lowdown.
Worried About Your Symptoms?
If you’ve read this page and something’s ringing a bell — don’t sit on it. We know going to the GP can feel like a big deal, especially if you’re worried about wasting their time. You’re not. A swollen lymph node that’s been there for more than a few weeks is always worth getting checked.
- Check the full list of lymphoma symptoms
- Use our Know Your Nodes checker to get familiar with what’s normal for your body
- Read stories from young people who’ve been diagnosed — because sometimes it helps to hear it from someone who’s been there
Page last reviewed: April 2026 | Information written by Charlotte Cox, Founder of Lymphoma Out Loud (Registered Charity No. 1174665) | Sources: Lymphoma Action, Cancer Research UK
