Key Differences Between Hodgkin's Disease and Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma

Lymphoma is a disease where the body's lymphoid tissues develop malignant cells. The two most common types of lymphoma are Hodgkin's Disease and non-Hodgkin's lymphoma. Despite the similarity in name, there are key differences between Hodgkin's Disease and Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma.

Pathophysiology

Hodgkin's Disease tends to arise from what is called the Epstein-Barr virus and contain Reed-Sternberg Cells, which are necessary for diagnosis. The malignant cells that form usually remain localized in one lymph node or a surrounding chain in the neck, shoulder, and chest. Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma do not contain Reed-Sternberg cells and tend to develop in peripheral lymph nodes and spread throughout the body.

Who is at risk?

One of the key differences between Hodgkin's Disease and Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma is who is most at risk to develop either condition. Hodgkin's Disease is most prevalent among people between 15 and 35 and over 50. Older adults (age 60 and over) are more susceptible to non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma. With both diseases, men are more likely than women to be afflicted. Although the causes for lymphomas are unknown, risk factors for developing either of these diseases may be genetically linked.

Signs and symptoms

How these diseases manifest is another key difference between Hodgkin's Disease and Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma. People with Hodgkin's Disease often have fevers, night sweats, and weight loss. Other signs and symptoms include fatigue, itching, anemia, and an enlarged spleen. People who suffer from non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma can develop fevers and night sweats as the disease progresses. More common symptoms include abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, cough, and signs of central nervous system involvement (seizures and altered mental status.)

Prognosis

Hodgkin's Disease is one of the most curable cancers with a 'cure' rate (5 years or more cancer free) between 60 and 90%. However, the prognosis for non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma can range from excellent to poor depending on the grade of tumor involved. Low grade tumors are most differentiated (specialized in function) and least malignant, while high grade tumors are least differentiated and the most malignant.

Sources:

LeMone, Priscilla & Burke, Karen (2008). Medical-Surgical Nursing-Critical Thinking In Client Care (4^th ed.). Upper Saddle River NJ: Pearson Prentice Hall, pp 1129-1131

National Cancer Institute website non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma