# Hodgkin and non-Hodgkin lymphoma: what the names mean

> Source: World Aid Network — https://worldaidnetwork.org/cancer/lymphoma/types

## In short

Hodgkin lymphoma contains Reed-Sternberg cells and is often treated with combination chemotherapy, sometimes with radiotherapy, with UK five-year survival around 85%. Non-Hodgkin lymphoma covers many subtypes, from slow follicular lymphoma that may be watched to aggressive large-cell lymphomas that need treatment quickly. The biopsy report is what decides the plan.

Do not treat ‘lymphoma’ as one disease. Ask the team for the subtype name.

## How is the type confirmed?

A surgical or core biopsy of a gland is examined under the microscope and with special stains. Blood tests and PET-CT then show how far it has spread. Some people also have a bone-marrow test.

## What does watch and wait mean?

Some slow-growing non-Hodgkin lymphomas cause few problems at first. Monitoring with clinics and scans avoids treatment side effects until they are needed. It is not being ignored.

## Can lymphoma be cured?

Many Hodgkin lymphomas and some aggressive non-Hodgkin lymphomas are treated with curative intent. Slow types may be controlled over years. UK statistics are not a promise for any one person.

## Key takeaways

- Hodgkin and non-Hodgkin are different diseases.
- A biopsy confirms the subtype.
- Some slow lymphomas are monitored first.
- Hodgkin lymphoma often has high UK survival.

## Related pages in this guide

- Overview: https://worldaidnetwork.org/cancer/lymphoma
- Symptoms: https://worldaidnetwork.org/cancer/lymphoma/symptoms
- Hodgkin & NHL: https://worldaidnetwork.org/cancer/lymphoma/types
- Treatment options: https://worldaidnetwork.org/cancer/lymphoma/treatment

## Frequently asked questions

### Is lymphoma a blood cancer?

It is a cancer of lymphocytes, which are white blood cells, starting in glands and lymphatic tissue. It is grouped with blood cancers.

### Does lymphoma always need chemotherapy?

No. Some slow types are watched. Some localised Hodgkin lymphoma is treated with a short course of chemo plus radiotherapy.

### Does WAN treat lymphoma in the UK?

No. NHS haematology treats UK patients. We fund poor patients overseas where partners can deliver care.

## How you can help

World Aid Network funds cancer treatment for patients who cannot pay in Pakistan, Indonesia and Malaysia. Donate at https://worldaidnetwork.org/appeal/cancer-emergency or https://worldaidnetwork.org/donate?cause=cancer-treatment&appeal=cancer-emergency

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This is general information, not medical advice, published by World Aid Network. Always consult a qualified clinician about your own health.