Lymphoma: Hodgkin and Non-Hodgkin
Painless lymph node enlargement is the typical sign.
Dr. Anne-Sophie Lefèvre
Oncologist
In simple terms
Lymphomas are highly heterogeneous. Many subtypes have excellent cure rates with modern therapy.
What you need to remember
- Hodgkin lymphoma — Often affects young adults, presents with mediastinal masses, and has cure rates above 80% with chemotherapy and selective radiotherapy.
- Non-Hodgkin lymphomas — Dozens of subtypes from indolent (follicular) to aggressive (DLBCL, Burkitt).
- Modern therapy — Anti-CD20 antibodies (rituximab), bispecific antibodies, and CAR-T cells have dramatically improved relapsed-disease outcomes.
Painless lymph node swelling, B symptoms (drenching night sweats, fevers, weight loss), itching, or fatigue.
Hodgkin lymphoma
Often affects young adults, presents with mediastinal masses, and has cure rates above 80% with chemotherapy and selective radiotherapy.
Non-Hodgkin lymphomas
Dozens of subtypes from indolent (follicular) to aggressive (DLBCL, Burkitt). Treatment ranges from observation to intensive immunochemotherapy.
Modern therapy
Anti-CD20 antibodies (rituximab), bispecific antibodies, and CAR-T cells have dramatically improved relapsed-disease outcomes.
Persistent enlarged lymph nodes (>4 weeks, painless, >1 cm) need medical evaluation.
The words explained
Medical terms used above, in everyday language.
- Symptom
- A sign you can feel or see that something is wrong, like pain, tiredness or a rash.
- Immune system
- Your body's defence team: cells that fight germs and repair damage.
- Antibody
- A protein your body makes to recognise and neutralise a specific germ.
- Relapse / flare-up
- A moment when symptoms come back or get worse again.
When should you see a doctor?
- Your symptoms last more than a few weeks or keep coming back.
- They get worse quickly, or stop you doing everyday things.
- You notice sudden pain, breathing trouble, fainting or bleeding — seek urgent care.
- You already take medication and want to change anything about it.
This article explains general health information. It does not replace advice from your own doctor.
Frequently asked questions
- What is Lymphoma: Hodgkin and Non-Hodgkin?
- Lymphomas are highly heterogeneous. Many subtypes have excellent cure rates with modern therapy.
- What are the main symptoms or signs of Lymphoma: Hodgkin and Non-Hodgkin?
- Common signs vary from person to person. The article above lists the symptoms to watch for, how they progress, and when they need medical attention.
- When should you see a doctor for Lymphoma: Hodgkin and Non-Hodgkin?
- See a doctor if symptoms last more than a few weeks, get worse quickly, stop you doing everyday things, or if you notice sudden pain, breathing trouble, fainting or bleeding.
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