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With two similar-sounding names, Hodgkin lymphoma and non-Hodgkin lymphoma can easily be confused. They are both cancers that adversely affect and spread through the body’s lymphatic system, but there are some differences that can affect treatment options. To understand the differences between Hodgkin lymphoma, also known as Hodgkin’s disease, and non-Hodgkin lymphoma, it may be helpful to briefly consider the role of the lymphatic system where these cancers occur. What is the lymphatic system?Lymph is a watery fluid that circulates through the body via a network of vessels, tissues and organs called the lymphatic system. This fluid carries a number of vital substances, including lymphocytes, which are infection-fighting white blood cells that play a key role in the body’s immune system. Lymphoma is a form of cancer that affects the lymphocytes. The primary difference between Hodgkin and non-Hodgkin lymphoma is the type of lymphocyte that is affected. Hodgkin lymphoma is marked by the presence of Reed-Sternberg lymphocytes, which a physician can identify using a microscope. In non-Hodgkin lymphoma, these cells are not present. What are Reed-Sternberg cells?The dominant abnormalities of these cells are their large size and structure that includes multiple nuclei. As is characteristic of other types of cancer cells, they also multiply uncontrollably and collect in an abnormal way. Reed-Sternberg cells, specifically, collect in parts of the lymphatic system, typically the lymph nodes. Over time, the buildup of these abnormal lymphocytes can lead to tumor growth and interfere with the body’s ability to fight off infection.
Other differentiatorsIn addition to the presence or lack of Reed-Sternberg cells, other differences between Hodgkin and non-Hodgkin lymphoma include that:
How do the symptoms of Hodgkin and non-Hodgkin lymphoma compare?Despite the many differences between these two types of lymphatic cancer, both have similar symptoms, such as:
One difference is that some people with Hodgkin lymphoma experience pain with lymph node swelling after consuming alcohol. If you notice any of these symptoms, it is important to consult with a physician. What treatment options are available?Treatment for Hodgkin or non-Hodgkin lymphoma will depend on the type of lymphatic cancer you have, its stage, your overall health and many other factors. At Moffitt Cancer Center, the multispecialty experts that make up our Malignant Hematology Program collaborate as a tumor board to review patient cases, ensuring each patient receives an individualized treatment plan that addresses his or her unique needs. To learn more about receiving lymphoma treatment at Moffitt, call 1-888-663-3488 or complete a new patient registration form. At Moffitt, we understand the importance of getting started on the right treatment as soon as possible, so all new patients are connected to a cancer expert within a day of reaching out to us. Answer From Rajiv K. Pruthi, M.B.B.S. Both Hodgkin's lymphoma and non-Hodgkin's lymphoma are lymphomas — a type of cancer that begins in a subset of white blood cells called lymphocytes. Lymphocytes are an integral part of your immune system, which protects you from germs. The main difference between Hodgkin's lymphoma and non-Hodgkin's lymphoma is in the specific lymphocyte each involves. A doctor can tell the difference between Hodgkin's lymphoma and non-Hodgkin's lymphoma by examining the cancer cells under a microscope. If in examining the cells, the doctor detects the presence of a specific type of abnormal cell called a Reed-Sternberg cell, the lymphoma is classified as Hodgkin's. If the Reed-Sternberg cell is not present, the lymphoma is classified as non-Hodgkin's. Many subtypes of lymphoma exist, and your doctor will use laboratory tests to examine a sample of your lymphoma cells to determine your specific subtype. Expect to wait a few days to receive results from these specialized tests. Your type of lymphoma helps your doctor determine your prognosis and your treatment options. The types of lymphoma have very different disease courses and treatment choices, so an accurate diagnosis is an integral part of getting the care you need. With Rajiv K. Pruthi, M.B.B.S. Sign up for free, and stay up to date on research advancements, health tips and current health topics, like COVID-19, plus expertise on managing health. To provide you with the most relevant and helpful information, and understand which information is beneficial, we may combine your email and website usage
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. How do you use UN and non?Unlike in-, and un-, which often create nonabsolute negatives, non- is generally used to create a word that describes the complete opposite of its nonnegative form. In other words, for example, a nonconformist is someone who absolutely does not conform.
How do you use non?Usage notes
Non- may be attached to nouns (nonspace), adjectives (nonaggressive), adverbs (nonaggressively, nonstop), or—infrequently—even verbs (nontender).
What do u mean by non?1 : not : other than : reverse of : absence of nontoxic nonlinear. 2 : of little or no consequence : unimportant : worthless nonissues nonsystem. 3 : lacking the usual especially positive characteristics of the thing specified noncelebration nonart.
Whats the difference between UN and non?Un- differs in usage from non-; while non- could be used in any manner, un- is mainly used to indicate not, as well as a lack of or absence of something. Un- and Non- are two different types of negative prefixes, which means that they are part of words that need to be added to other words.
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