Hodgkin lymphoma

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What is Hodgkin lymphoma?

Hodgkin lymphoma is a cancer of your lymphatic system, which is part of the immune system. 

About 155 people are diagnosed with Hodgkin Lymphoma in Ireland each year.
Lymphoma happens when lymphocyte white blood cells grow in an abnormal way. The abnormal cells start to collect in your lymphatic system, particularly the lymph nodes. This causes swellings, known as lymphomas.

What is the lymphatic system and what does it do? 

The lymphatic system is part of the body’s immune system, which protects us from infection and disease.

Parts of the lymphatic system

• Lymph vessels: Transport excess fluid and waste from body tissues and filter bacteria and viruses
• Lymph nodes (or lymph glands): Contain infection-fighting white blood cells called lymphocytes. There are two types of lymphocytes: B-cells and T-cells. Lymph nodes often swell when they are fighting infection, which is a normal, healthy response. Lymph nodes are found mainly in the neck, armpit, groin and tummy 
• The spleen: Helps to filter out damaged cells from the blood stream and also to fight infection
• Other body organs: Your tonsils, adenoids, thymus, spleen and bone marrow

Sometimes cancer cells spread into lymph nodes or cancer can start in the lymph nodes themselves.