Hodgkin and non-Hodgkin lymphoma both begin in the white blood cells. However, they typically develop in different areas of the body and have different symptoms and outlooks.
Lymphoma is a cancer of the lymphatic system. Hodgkin lymphoma (HL) is not as common as non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL).
This article compares HL and NHL by detailing their main differences, including prevalence, symptoms, outlook, causes, and treatment.
Lymphomas are cancers that develop within the lymphatic system. The lymphatic system is a network of vessels, nodes, and ducts throughout the body. It is a crucial element of the immune system.
HL and NHL are the two main forms of lymphoma, which both begin in white blood cells.
HL
According to a 2022 article, HL has two subtypes — nodular lymphocyte-predominant HL and classical HL. Around
Scientists further divide classical HL into the following categories:
- nodular sclerosis
- lymphocyte-rich
- mixed cellularity
- lymphocyte-depleted
NHL
According to another
There are several forms of NHL. Some common T cell NHLs include:
- enteropathy-associated T cell lymphoma
- anaplastic large cell lymphoma
- adult T cell lymphoma
Some common B cell NHLs include:
Alongside this disparity in levels of Reed-Sternberg cells, there are other important differences between HL and NHL.
| Hodgkin lymphoma | Non-Hodgkin lymphoma | |
|---|---|---|
| How rare is it? | There are around 2.6 new cases per 100,000 people. | There are around 19 new cases per 100,000 people. |
| What is its outlook? | It has an 89.1% overall 5-year relative survival rate. | It has a 73.8% overall 5-year relative survival rate. |
| Where does it initially develop? | Although it can begin anywhere, it • neck • chest • underarms | It can begin |
A relative survival rate helps to give an idea of how long a person with a particular condition will live after receiving a diagnosis compared with those without the condition.
For example, if the 5-year relative survival rate is 70%, a person with the condition is 70% as likely to live for 5 years as someone without the condition.
It is important to remember that these figures are estimates. A person can consult a healthcare professional about how their condition is going to affect them.
This section discusses other important facts about lymphoma prevalence.
HL
According to the
These cancers are most common in younger adults, especially in people who are in their 20s. The prevalence typically lowers after a person’s 20s before rising again after the age of 55.
The Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) Program states there are
NHL
According to the
It can affect people of any age. However, over half of people with NHL develop this condition after the age of 64.
SEER states there are
HL and NHL have several symptoms in common. However, there are some important differences in symptoms.
HL
As the
Other symptoms of HL include:
People with HL can also develop “B symptoms.” These include:
- significant sweating at night
- an infection-free fever, which may keep returning
- losing at least 10% of body weight within 6 months
These B symptoms are less common than swollen lymph nodes.
NHL
People with NHL also develop swollen lymph nodes. However, the
- appetite loss
- itching
- fatigue
- abdominal swelling
- quickly feeling full
- chest pain or pressure
- coughing
- shortness of breath
- bleeding or bruising easily
People with NHL may also develop the B symptoms, as listed above.
HL and NHL have important differences in outlook.
HL
| Stage | 5-year relative survival rate |
|---|---|
| stage 1 | 92.4% |
| stage 2 | 95% |
| stage 3 | 86.4% |
| stage 4 | 79.8% |
| unknown stage | 83.6% |
NHL
| Stage | 5-year relative survival rate |
|---|---|
| stage 1 | 86.5% |
| stage 2 | 78.1% |
| stage 3 | 72.3% |
| stage 4 | 63.9% |
| unknown stage | 69.1% |
The following outlines some causes and risk factors for HL and NHL.
HL
HL
Experts are not sure why this process occurs. However, the
These include:
- having had an Epstein-Barr virus infection
- being between 20–30 years of age or being older than 55
- having a weakened immune system
- being male
An individual is also at greater risk of HL if a relative has the disease.
NHL
Scientists do not know what causes NHL. However, they have identified a wide range of risk factors for this condition.
The
- being older
- being white
- having a family history of NHL
- having experienced radiation exposure
- having a weakened immune system
- having an autoimmune disease
Some infections are also risk factors for NHL. These include:
- Epstein-Barr virus
- human T cell lymphotropic virus infection
- human herpes virus 8 infection
The main treatment options for HL and NHL partially overlap. Specific treatment details will vary from case to case.
HL
As the
- chemotherapy, with or without stem cell transplants
- radiation therapy
- immunotherapy
- targeted therapy
Some forms of treatment may be unsuitable for pregnant individuals. For instance, many chemotherapies can be harmful to the fetus.
NHL
The
- chemotherapy, with or without stem cell transplants
- radiation therapy
- immunotherapy
- targeted therapy
- surgery
- antibiotic therapy
- plasmapheresis
Doctors might also recommend watchful waiting, which involves pausing treatment to monitor how the condition progresses.
HL and NHL are the two main types of cancers of the lymphatic system. Although both begin in the white blood cells, they develop in different areas of the body and have different symptoms and outlooks.
If people notice any symptoms of either type of lymphoma, they should contact a doctor.