Hodgkin's lymphoma

Question 1

Age distribution of Hodgkin’s lymphoma?

Answer 1

Bimodal age distribution - most commonly in young and elderly people

Question 2

What is the histologically defining feature of Hodgkin’s lymphoma?

Answer 2

Reed - Sternberg cells

Question 3

What is the most common presenting feature of Hodgkin’s lymphoma?

Answer 3

Lymphadenopathy (75%) - painless, non tender and asymmetrical

Question 4

Name 4 systemic features of Hodgkin’s lymphoma?

Answer 4

1. Weight loss
2. Pruritus
3. Night sweats
4. Fever
   Also known as B symptoms and occur earlier in Hodgkin’s than non Hodgkin’s lymphoma

Question 5

What should be avoided in Hodgkin’s

Answer 5

Drinking alcohol as there is pain associated after drinking

Question 6

Haemological characteristics of Hodgkin’s

Answer 6

Normocytic anaemia (low haemoglobin levels)
Esinophilia

Question 7

How are patient’s staged?

Answer 7

CT scan of chest, abdomen and pelvis

Question 8

Stage 1

Answer 8

Single lymphnode region

Question 9

Stage 2

Answer 9

Two or more regions on the same side of the diaphragm

Question 10

Stage 3

Answer 10

Involvement of lymph node regions on both sides of the diaphragm

Question 11

Stage 4

Answer 11

Involvement of extra nodal sites

Question 12

Treatment of Hodgkin’s

Answer 12

Multi modal - both radiotherapy and chemotherapy used

Question 13

Diagnosis of Hodgkin’s

Answer 13

Lymph node biopsy

Question 14

Which condition is Hodgkin’s linked with?

Answer 14

Infection with Ebstein Barr virus is linked with condition

Question 15

Common sites of lymphadenopathy?

Answer 15

Mediastinal lymphadenopathy is common and can cause dyspnoea. cough or stridor