Differences between Hodgkin's Lymphoma and Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma
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Hodgkin's Lymphoma vs. Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma
Hodgkin's lymphoma and non-Hodgkin's lymphoma are both cancers that originate in the lymphocytes, a type of white blood cell integral to the immune system.[1] The primary distinction between them lies in the specific type of lymphocyte affected and the presence or absence of characteristic abnormal cells.[2][3] A definitive diagnosis is made by examining the cancerous cells under a microscope.[1] Non-Hodgkin's lymphoma is the more common of the two types.[2]
The key microscopic difference is the presence of Reed-Sternberg cells in Hodgkin's lymphoma.[4][5] These are large, abnormal lymphocytes, often with more than one nucleus, that are not found in non-Hodgkin's lymphoma. Non-Hodgkin's lymphoma is a broader category that can arise from different types of lymphocytes, including B cells, T cells, or natural killer cells, whereas Hodgkin's lymphoma typically involves B lymphocytes.[1]
There are also typical differences in how the two cancers present and progress. Hodgkin's lymphoma often begins in the upper body, such as in the lymph nodes of the neck, chest, or armpits, and tends to spread in a predictable, orderly fashion to adjacent lymph node groups.[2] In contrast, non-Hodgkin's lymphoma can arise in lymph nodes throughout the body and often spreads in a less predictable pattern, sometimes being found in areas outside of the lymph nodes.[1]
The age at diagnosis often differs between the two. Hodgkin's lymphoma has a bimodal age distribution, with peaks in young adulthood (ages 15-40) and in older adults (over age 55). Non-Hodgkin's lymphoma is more commonly diagnosed in people over the age of 60.
Comparison Table
| Feature | Hodgkin's Lymphoma | Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma |
|---|---|---|
| Defining Cell | Presence of Reed-Sternberg cells[2][4] | Absence of Reed-Sternberg cells[2] |
| Cell of Origin | Typically B lymphocytes[1] | B lymphocytes, T lymphocytes, or Natural Killer (NK) cells[1] |
| Incidence | Less common[2] | More common, accounts for about 90% of lymphomas |
| Typical Age at Diagnosis | Bimodal peaks: ages 15-40 and over 55 | Usually in people over 60 |
| Pattern of Spread | Orderly, contiguous spread to nearby lymph nodes[4] | Non-contiguous, less predictable spread |
| Initial Site | Often lymph nodes in the neck, chest, or armpits[2] | Can arise in lymph nodes anywhere in the body[2] |
| Prognosis | Generally considered one of the more curable cancers | Varies widely depending on the specific subtype |
Treatment and Prognosis
Treatment for both types of lymphoma can include chemotherapy and radiation therapy. The specific regimen and approach depend on the type and stage of the cancer. Hodgkin's lymphoma is often detected early and is considered one of the more curable forms of cancer, with a five-year survival rate of about 89% in the United States. The prognosis for non-Hodgkin's lymphoma is more varied due to the large number of subtypes. Survival rates for non-Hodgkin's lymphoma depend heavily on the specific subtype, stage, and how aggressively it is growing, with an overall five-year survival rate around 74%.
References
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 1.3 1.4 1.5 "mayoclinic.org". Retrieved February 10, 2026.
- ↑ 2.0 2.1 2.2 2.3 2.4 2.5 2.6 2.7 "moffitt.org". Retrieved February 10, 2026.
- ↑ "cvsspecialty.com". Retrieved February 10, 2026.
- ↑ 4.0 4.1 4.2 "newyorkoncology.com". Retrieved February 10, 2026.
- ↑ "clevelandclinic.org". Retrieved February 10, 2026.
