What it means
Named after Thomas Hodgkin, the English physician who described it. It usually begins in a lymph nodelimf nohdA small, bean-shaped organ of the immune system that filters lymph fluid and holds white blood cells.Full entry in the neck or chest and spreads in order from one group of nodes to the next. It is most common in young adults and in people over 55. With chemotherapy and radiation, most people are cured. Cancers of the lymphatic system without Reed-Sternberg cells are called non-Hodgkin lymphomas.
For the nurse
During treatment, protect the client from infection, manage nausea and fatigue, and teach them to report fever at once.
At a glance
| Also written | Hodgkin's lymphoma, Hodgkin disease, Hodgkin's disease, Hodgkin's lymphomas |
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Related terms
lymph node
A small, bean-shaped organ of the immune system that filters lymph fluid and holds white blood cells.
lymphoma
A cancer of lymphocytes, the white blood cells of the lymph system.
Epstein-Barr virus
A common herpes virus that causes infectious mononucleosis.