• An uncontrollable growth of abnormal white blood cells known as lymphocytes causes Hodgkin’s lymphoma. These growths start multiplying, forming tumours in the lymph nodes and other organs.
• A delay in treatment may spread the cancerous growths to the lungs, liver or bone marrow.
• This can lead to serious complications like weakened immunity, continuous infections, organ damage, and advanced-stage cancer.
• However, with timely diagnosis and the right treatment, Hodgkin’s lymphoma is one of the most curable cancers with high survival rates.

Hodgkin’s lymphoma is classified into two main categories.

• Classical Hodgkin Lymphoma (CHL) accounts for approximately 90–95% of cases and is characterised by the presence of Reed–Sternberg cells. Subtypes include:
  • Nodular sclerosis CHL: It is common in young adults, often in the chest.
  • Mixed cellularity CHL: It is frequent in older adults and those with weaker immunity.
  • Lymphocyte-rich CHL: It is less common and generally has a favourable outlook.
  • Lymphocyte-depleted CHL: It is the rarest and usually more aggressive form.
• Nodular Lymphocyte-Predominant Hodgkin Lymphoma (NLPHL): A rare, slower-growing type that behaves differently from CHL and often requires targeted therapies.

The spread of cancer is shown via different stages.

• Stage I: Cancer is limited to a single lymph node group or one nearby lymphatic structure. At this stage, the disease is localised and usually responds very well to treatment.
• Stage II: The lymphoma has spread to two or more lymph node regions, but only on one side of the diaphragm (either above or below). This stage may also involve a nearby organ but is still considered an early form of the disease.
• Stage III: Cancer is present on both sides of the diaphragm, meaning it affects lymph nodes in the chest as well as the abdomen or pelvis. The spleen and nearby organs may also be involved, making the disease more widespread.
  
• Stage IV: This is the most advanced stage, where lymphoma spreads outside the lymphatic system to distant organs such as the liver, lungs, or bone marrow. Treatment is more intensive, but remission is still possible with modern therapies.

Treatment is planned based on the stage of the cancer, its type, and the overall health of the patient. Common options include:

• Chemotherapy: This is the most common treatment, involving powerful drugs that kill cancer cells or stop them from dividing. It can be given orally or through intravenous injections, often in cycles.
• Radiation Therapy: High-energy X-rays or proton beams are directed at affected lymph nodes to shrink tumours. Radiation is often combined with chemotherapy for better results, especially in early-stage disease.
• Targeted Therapy: These medicines are designed to attack specific proteins or pathways in cancer cells, causing less harm to healthy cells. They are usually used when standard chemotherapy does not fully work.
• Immunotherapy: Immunotherapy strengthens the body’s natural defences to detect and destroy cancer cells. Drugs like checkpoint inhibitors are commonly used in relapsed or advanced cases of Hodgkin’s lymphoma.
• Stem Cell Transplant: Stem Cell Transplant: Also called a bone marrow transplant, this procedure is recommended for patients whose disease has relapsed or not responded to other treatments. It replaces damaged bone marrow with healthy stem cells to restore normal blood cell production.

The cost of treatment may vary depending on the type of therapy, hospital stay, and duration of treatment.

If not treated on time, Hodgkin’s lymphoma can lead to the following complications.

• Spread of cancer: It can go beyond the lymph nodes to organs like the liver, lungs, or bone marrow, which makes treatment more difficult.
• Weakened immunity: Untreated lymphoma can increase the risk of frequent, severe, and hard-to-treat infections.
• Enlarged lymph nodes: This can cause pressure on the chest or airways, leading to chest pain, cough, or breathing difficulties.
• Damage to vital organs: This may happen in advanced stages since the cancer may progress to organ failure if it is not managed on time.
• Reduced survival rate: Lower chances of achieving remission, which can reduce overall survival rates and treatment success.

While there are no guaranteed preventive steps, certain lifestyle measures may reduce risk and support recovery.

• Maintain a strong immune system with a healthy diet and exercise.
• Avoid exposure to tobacco and excessive alcohol.
• Protect against infections like HIV and Epstein–Barr virus (linked to some cases).
• Go for regular health check-ups if you have a family history of lymphoma.
• Seek prompt medical advice if you notice swollen lymph nodes or unexplained symptoms.