Hodgkin’s Disease

Hodgkin’s disease (HL; malignant lymphogranulomatosis; malignant Hodgkin’s lymphoma; Hodgkin’s granuloma; Hodgkin’s disease; Hodgkin’s lymphoma; lymphogranuloma; lymphogranuloma maligne; lymphogranulomatosis; malignant lymphogranuloma; cerebral Hodgkin’s lymphoma; ICD-10-GM C81.-: Hodgkin’s lymphoma [lymphogranulomatosis]) is a malignant neoplasm (malignant neoplasm) of the lymphatic system with possible involvement of other organs. It is classified as a malignant lymphoma.

Since it has been recognized that the disease is a B-cell lymphoma, the formerly used term Hodgkin’s disease is increasingly receding into the background. In the following, we will continue to use the term “Hodgkin’s disease”.

Approximately 15% of all lymphomas are Hodgkin’s lymphoma.

Hodgkin’s lymphoma is the most common hematologic neoplasm (malignancy of the blood (forming) system) in young adults.

Sex ratio: males are slightly more commonly affected.

Frequency peak: The disease has two frequency peaks. The first incidence peak is between 20 and 30 years of age and the second after 65 years of age. The incidence (frequency of new cases) is approximately 2-3 cases per 100,000 population per year in industrialized countries. The incidence increases with age.

Course and prognosis: The disease is now considered curable. Currently, more than half of the patients in Germany are treated in clinical stages and can expect an improved progression-free survival. After initial treatment, primary progression (progression of the disease) or recurrence (recurrence of the disease) occurs in approximately 15-20% of cases.Two-thirds of all recurrences occur within the first two and a half years after therapy; 90% within the first five years. Therefore, close follow-up is required, especially during the first five years after completion of therapy.

The 5-year survival rate ranges from 75% to 90%.