Diagnosis guide
Hodgkin lymphoma
If you or someone you love has just heard this diagnosis, start here. It covers several subtypes, and this guide shows how they differ, so you can find the one on your report.
Hodgkin lymphoma is a cancer of lymphocytes, a kind of white blood cell. It usually starts in the lymph nodes. There are two main types. Most people have classic Hodgkin lymphoma, in which large abnormal cells called Reed-Sternberg cells can be seen under a microscope. Nodular lymphocyte-predominant Hodgkin lymphoma (NLPHL) is rare and tends to grow more slowly. It is a distinct B-cell cancer, and it is often treated differently. European transplant experts say it makes up only about 5% of Hodgkin lymphoma. Many people with Hodgkin lymphoma are cured by their first treatment. When a transplant is used, usually because the lymphoma came back or did not respond, it most often uses the person’s own stem cells. A donor transplant is kept for selected people, such as when the lymphoma comes back after an own-cell transplant.
In short
- Hodgkin lymphoma is a cancer of lymphocytes, a kind of white blood cell. It usually starts in the lymph nodes, and a painless swollen node is a common first sign.
- There are two main types. Classic Hodgkin lymphoma is by far the most common. NLPHL is rare, grows more slowly and is often treated differently.
- Many people are cured by their first treatment. When a transplant is needed, it usually uses the person’s own stem cells. A donor transplant is for selected people.
Find the subtype on your report
The exact diagnosis shapes the treatment options. Your care team can explain the name on your report.
Classic Hodgkin lymphoma
Classic Hodgkin lymphoma is a B-cell cancer identified by characteristic Hodgkin and Reed–Sternberg cells. Many people are cured with initial drug treatment, sometimes with radiotherapy; transplant is mainly used when the lymphoma returns or resists treatment.
Usually the person’s own cellsNodular lymphocyte-predominant Hodgkin lymphoma (NLPHL)
Nodular lymphocyte-predominant Hodgkin lymphoma (NLPHL) is a rare, usually slow-growing B-cell lymphoma that differs from classic Hodgkin lymphoma. Its large LP (“popcorn”) cells carry B-cell markers such as CD20. Most people are diagnosed at an early stage and do very well.
Limited transplant role
Related diagnosis guides
Key facts
- Two main types
- Classic (most cases) and nodular lymphocyte-predominant (rare)As described by NCI (Hodgkin Lymphoma Treatment PDQ, patient version, updated 2025-02-27). Source: Two main types
- New cases expected in the U.S.
- About 8,920 in 2026All Hodgkin lymphoma, United States, 2026 projection by the American Cancer Society, as reported by SEER. Source: New cases expected in the U.S.
- Age at diagnosis
- Most often 20–34; median age 38All Hodgkin lymphoma, U.S. SEER 21 areas, people diagnosed 2019–2023. Source: Age at diagnosis
- Transplants in Europe
- Own cells 2,275 · donor 334Transplants for Hodgkin lymphoma reported to EBMT, the European transplant society, in 2024, from 688 centers in 53 countries. Source: Transplants in Europe
- Transplant consultation
- If it does not respond to first treatment, or comes backU.S. NMDP/ASTCT transplant consultation timing guidelines, accessed 2026-09-26. Source: Transplant consultation
How Hodgkin lymphoma is diagnosed
Hodgkin lymphoma is confirmed with a biopsy. A surgeon removes a whole swollen lymph node (excisional biopsy) or part of one (incisional biopsy). Or a wide needle takes tissue from the node (core biopsy). A lab doctor (pathologist) studies the tissue under a microscope. In classic Hodgkin lymphoma, large abnormal cells called Reed-Sternberg cells may be seen.
Marker tests (immunophenotyping) tell the two main types apart. Classic Hodgkin cells are usually positive for CD15 and CD30 and negative for CD20. NLPHL cells show the opposite pattern: positive for CD20 and negative for CD15 and CD30. The result matters, because the two types are often treated differently.
Blood tests often include a complete blood count and blood chemistry with LDH. The sedimentation rate (a sign of inflammation) and tests for HIV and hepatitis B and C are common too. A PET-CT scan shows which lymph node groups and organs are involved. NCI notes that PET-CT has replaced a bone marrow biopsy for staging newly diagnosed Hodgkin lymphoma. During pregnancy, MRI and ultrasound are used instead, to protect the baby from radiation.
The stage runs from I to IV. The stage and B symptoms (fever, drenching night sweats or weight loss with no known cause) affect the treatment options and the outlook.
When transplant specialists are usually consulted
NMDP and ASTCT guidelines suggest a transplant consultation when Hodgkin lymphoma does not respond to first treatment (primary refractory). They also suggest one at first or any later relapse. NMDP notes that the transplant used is often autologous, using the person’s own stem cells, and occasionally allogeneic. For a donor transplant, the guidelines point to lymphoma that no longer responds to brentuximab vedotin and checkpoint inhibitors, or when a person cannot tolerate them.
For NLPHL, European transplant guidance (EBMT, 2025) limits transplant to high-risk disease that has come back.
Read the guidanceLooking ahead
Outlook for Hodgkin lymphoma
Most people with Hodgkin lymphoma do well. NCI’s summary for health professionals says up to 90% of people with newly diagnosed Hodgkin lymphoma can be cured with combination chemotherapy, radiation therapy or both. For children and teens, NCI says about 90% to 95% can be cured.
The outlook depends on the type and stage, B symptoms, blood test results, age, sex and general health. It also depends on whether the lymphoma is new, keeps growing during treatment or has come back. NCI notes that people with NLPHL tend to have earlier-stage disease and longer survival than people with classic Hodgkin lymphoma. But in about 1 in 10 people with NLPHL, it turns into a faster-growing B-cell lymphoma within 10 years, so long-term follow-up matters.
If Hodgkin lymphoma comes back, cure is still possible. NCI reports that more than half of people whose Hodgkin lymphoma comes back can have long-term disease-free survival, or even cure. This comes from more treatment followed by a stem cell transplant. Treatment can raise the risk of second cancers and heart disease years later. NCI says regular follow-up by doctors who are experts in these late effects is important.
About these numbers. Each one says which group of people it comes from, and the place and years where the source gives them. It describes what happened across that group, not what will happen to any one person. And a figure measured among people who had a transplant is not the same as the number of people who need one.
- 89.3%5-year relative survival, all stages
All ages, all Hodgkin lymphoma (classic and nodular lymphocyte-predominant), people diagnosed 2016–2022, U.S. SEER 21 areas (excluding Illinois)
Read the source: 5-year relative survival, all stages - Stage I 92.7%; Stage II 95.4%; Stage III 87.7%; Stage IV 82.8%5-year relative survival by stage at diagnosis
All ages, all Hodgkin lymphoma, people diagnosed 2016–2022, U.S. SEER 17 areas, by Ann Arbor stage. 25% of people were diagnosed at stage IV.
Read the source: 5-year relative survival by stage at diagnosis - 98%5-year overall survival, under age 20
Children and teens younger than 20 with Hodgkin lymphoma, 2013–2019, U.S. National Childhood Cancer Registry, as reported by NCI (Childhood Hodgkin Lymphoma PDQ, updated 2025-04-16).
Read the source: 5-year overall survival, under age 20
Relative survival leaves out deaths from other causes. These figures combine both types of Hodgkin lymphoma. They describe groups of people, not what will happen to any one person.
Common questions
What are the types of Hodgkin lymphoma?
There are two main types. Classic Hodgkin lymphoma is the most common. It has four subtypes: nodular sclerosis, mixed cellularity, lymphocyte-rich and lymphocyte-depleted. Nodular lymphocyte-predominant Hodgkin lymphoma (NLPHL) is rare and tends to grow more slowly. NCI describes it as a B-cell cancer that is distinct from classic Hodgkin lymphoma. The World Health Organization still lists it with Hodgkin lymphoma, but says it may be more accurately called nodular lymphocyte predominant B-cell lymphoma. The two types are often treated differently.
Is Hodgkin lymphoma curable?
Often, yes. NCI says Hodgkin lymphoma can usually be cured if it is found and treated early. Its summary for health professionals says up to 90% of people with newly diagnosed Hodgkin lymphoma can be cured with chemotherapy, radiation or both. For children and teens, the figure is about 90% to 95%. If the lymphoma comes back, NCI says more than half of people can still have long-term disease-free survival, or even cure. This comes from more treatment followed by a stem cell transplant.
What is the survival rate for Hodgkin lymphoma?
In U.S. SEER data for people diagnosed from 2016 to 2022, five-year relative survival for Hodgkin lymphoma was 89.3%. Relative survival compares people with the cancer to people in the general population and leaves out deaths from other causes. Survival was higher for earlier stages, and very high for children and teens. The outlook section on this page gives the figures, with the groups they describe. Group numbers cannot predict one person’s course.
What are the first signs of Hodgkin lymphoma?
NCI lists painless, swollen lymph nodes in the neck, underarm or groin. Other signs are fever, drenching night sweats or weight loss with no known cause. Some people have itchy skin, especially after bathing or drinking alcohol, or feel very tired. NLPHL often shows up as one swollen node, and most people have no other symptoms. These signs have many other causes. A biopsy is needed to diagnose lymphoma.
What raises the risk of Hodgkin lymphoma?
NCI lists four risk factors. Hodgkin lymphoma is most common in early adulthood (ages 20 to 39) and in people 65 and older. The risk is slightly higher in males. An Epstein-Barr virus infection in early childhood or the teen years raises the risk. So does having a parent, brother or sister with Hodgkin lymphoma. Not everyone with a risk factor gets Hodgkin lymphoma, and it can develop in people with no known risk factors.
Does Hodgkin lymphoma need a bone marrow transplant?
Most people do not need one, because first treatment cures many people. A transplant is mainly used when classic Hodgkin lymphoma does not respond or comes back. European EBMT recommendations call a transplant of the person’s own stem cells the standard of care when relapsed lymphoma still responds to chemotherapy. It is given after high-dose chemotherapy. A donor transplant is generally considered after an own-cell transplant has failed, or when the medicines brentuximab vedotin and checkpoint inhibitors have stopped working. For NLPHL, EBMT limits transplant to high-risk disease that has come back.
Hodgkin lymphoma
From the Jada Bascom Foundation disease library, jadabascomfoundation.org. Printed .
Questions to bring to your care team
- Is this classic Hodgkin lymphoma or NLPHL, and which marker tests confirmed it?
- What stage is it, and do I have B symptoms or other risk factors that change the plan?
- Which late effects could this treatment cause, and how will my follow-up watch for them?
- If the lymphoma comes back, would you consider a transplant with my own stem cells, and when would I meet a transplant team?
- What is the goal of each treatment you are suggesting?
- How does a transplant compare with the other treatments on offer?
- Where can our family find support during treatment?
A one-page list to take to the next appointment, with room for notes.
Supporting someone with a diagnosisSupport for patients and families
These independent organizations offer information and support. JBF is not affiliated with them.
- Lymphoma Research Foundation US nonprofit devoted to lymphoma, with a Hodgkin lymphoma guide, a Lymphoma Resource Center helpline and education programs for patients and caregivers.United States
- Lymphoma Action UK charity with a freephone helpline, live chat, monthly support meetings, peer buddies and free books for anyone affected by lymphoma.United Kingdom
- Hodgkin’s International Nonprofit that connects Hodgkin lymphoma survivors with one another and shares information about late effects of treatment, with survivorship care plan tools and events.United States and international
Other patients need a donor.
A transplant for Hodgkin lymphoma usually uses the patient’s own cells, but thousands of other patients need a donor. For many of them, that donor is a stranger who joined a registry.
Join the registry
JBF points you to the official registry that serves your country. It explains who can join and what donation involves.
Support this work
Gifts to the Jada Bascom Foundation support donor-awareness education like this page, community outreach, drive planning and referrals to official registries.
Help a family find a donor
Our family guide explains practical ways to help someone who needs a donor. A registration drive can add many potential donors at once, for them and for others.
Understanding transplant
Short explainers on what a transplant is and what it means for a family.
Sources and further reading
- Hodgkin Lymphoma Treatment (PDQ), Patient Version
National Cancer Institute, 2025-02-27 - Hodgkin Lymphoma Treatment (PDQ), Health Professional Version
National Cancer Institute, 2025-02-12 - Indications for haematopoietic cell transplantation and CAR-T for haematological diseases, solid tumours and immune disorders: 2025 EBMT practice recommendations
EBMT / Bone Marrow Transplantation, 2025-09-09; accessed 2026-09-26 - Childhood Hodgkin Lymphoma Treatment (PDQ), Patient Version
National Cancer Institute, 2025-05-08 - Childhood Hodgkin Lymphoma Treatment (PDQ), Health Professional Version
National Cancer Institute, 2025-04-16 - Cancer Stat Facts: Hodgkin Lymphoma
National Cancer Institute, SEER Program, Accessed 2026-09-26 - Recommended timing for transplant consultation: Hodgkin lymphoma (HL)
NMDP and ASTCT, Accessed 2026-09-26 - The 2024 EBMT activity report: crossing one million HCTs and 20,000 CAR-T. A landmark in cellular therapy
EBMT / Bone Marrow Transplantation, 2026-05-27 - The 5th edition of the World Health Organization Classification of Haematolymphoid Tumours: Lymphoid Neoplasms
Leukemia (Alaggio R, et al.), 2022-06-22
