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Hodgkins Disease & Its Stages

Hodgkin's disease is a type of cancer affecting the lymphatic system. The cause of Hodgkin's disease is unknown. The disease more commonly affects people ages 15 to 35 and 50 to 70.

  1. Identification

    • Hodgkin's disease is also known as Hodgkin's lymphoma. Hodgkin's lymphoma is cancer beginning in the lymph nodes. The cancer can spread to other areas of the lymphatic system and can include the liver, spleen and bone marrow.

    Significance

    • Once diagnosed with Hodgkin's, doctors perform various tests, such as blood tests, X-rays or biopsies to determine if the disease has spread. This is known as staging.

    Function

    • There are four stages to Hodgkin's disease, stage 1 through 4. Each stage contains sub-stages that are derived from symptoms, specifically used for treatment determinations.

    Stage 1 & 2

    • Stage 1 Hodgkin's lymphoma indicates that only one lymph node or lymphatic organ area is involved. Stage 2 of the disease is when two lymph nodes in the same region around the diaphragm are determined cancerous.

    Stage 3 & 4

    • Hodgkin's stage 3 involves cancer in both sides of the lymph nodes of the diaphragm. Stage 4 indicates that the cancer has spread beyond the lymph nodes to areas such as the liver, bone marrow or lungs.

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