Hodgkin's Disease

Hodgkin's disease is a type of cancer involving tissues of the lymphatic system. The lymphatic system is a network of organs, tissues, and ducts in the human body. The lymphatic system maintains the fluid balance in the body by coordinating the draining of fluid from cells and tissues back into the bloodstream. Also, the lymphatic system aids in fighting infections caused by microorganisms, by supplying the body with white blood cells.

A variety of cancers called lymphomas affect the lymph tissues. Hodgkin's disease represents a specific type of lymphoma. Its cause is unknown, although some interaction between individual genetic makeup, environmental exposures, and infectious agents is suspected.

Hodgkin's lymphoma can occur at any age. The majority of all cases of Hodgkin's lymphoma occur in people between the ages of 15 and 34, and those who are older than 60 years of age.

Hodgkin's is one of the most curable forms of cancer. Current treatments are quite effective. Children have a particularly high rate of cure from the disease, with about 75% still living cancer-free 20 years after the original diagnosis. Adults with the most severe form of the disease have about a 50% cure rate.