Hodgkin's lymphoma

Overview

Hodgkin's lymphoma (also called Hodgkin's disease) is a cancer of the lymphatic system, a part of your immune system. In Hodgkin's lymphoma, abnormal B cells, called Reed-Sternberg cells, may accumulate in the lymph nodes, spleen and lymphatic tissue, causing painless, progressive swelling. Reed-Sternberg cells do not form in non-Hodgkin's lymphoma, the more common type of lymphoma.

Hodgkin's lymphoma can be difficult to diagnose because symptoms are similar to influenza. As the disease progresses, it becomes harder to fight infection, and tumors develop. Eventually, Hodgkin's lymphoma can spread from the lymph nodes throughout the body. Advances in diagnosis and treatment make this disease highly treatable in most cases, with the potential for full recovery and cure.

Why choose Mayo Clinic for Hodgkin's lymphoma

• Expertise and experience. Mayo Clinic is a nationally recognized center of expertise in the diagnosis and treatment of Hodgkin's lymphoma, with one of the largest groups of lymphoma treatment specialists in the U.S. Should you need a stem cell transplant, Mayo Clinic is a recognized leader in transplant outcomes.
• Advanced diagnosis and treatment options. Mayo Clinic uses advanced diagnostic tests to precisely identify, classify and stage your lymphoma so that you receive the most appropriate treatment. Mayo is a nationally recognized leader in developing innovative treatments for Hodgkin's lymphoma and conducts many clinical trials of new therapies.
• Multispecialty team. At Mayo Clinic, specialists in hematology, radiation oncology, radiology, stem cell transplant and other areas work together to treat your Hodgkin's lymphoma. Mayo's multispecialty practice gives you rapid access to the expertise you need.
• Latest research. A leader in lymphoma research, Mayo Clinic has received a National Cancer Institute Lymphoma Specialized Program of Research Excellence (Lymphoma SPORE) grant since 2002.
• Comprehensive cancer center. Mayo Clinic Cancer Center meets strict standards for a National Cancer Institute comprehensive cancer center, recognizing scientific excellence and a multispecialty approach focused on cancer prevention, diagnosis and treatment.

Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minn., is ranked among the Best Hospitals for cancer by U.S. News & World Report. Mayo Clinic in Jacksonville, Fla., and Mayo Clinic in Scottsdale, Ariz., are ranked high performing for cancer by U.S. News & World Report.

Mayo Clinic: Answers you can trust

At Mayo Clinic, we assemble a team of specialists who take the time to listen and thoroughly understand your health issues and concerns. We tailor the care you receive to your personal health care needs. You can trust our specialists to collaborate and offer you the best possible outcomes, safety and service.

Mayo Clinic is a not-for-profit medical institution that reinvests all earnings into improving medical practice, research and education. We're constantly involved in innovation and medical research, finding solutions to improve your care and quality of life. Your doctor or someone on your medical team is likely involved in research related to your condition.

Our patients tell us that the quality of their interactions, our attention to detail and the efficiency of their visits mean health care — and trusted answers — like they've never experienced.

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