Hodgkin's Lymphoma Flashcards
What is Hodgkin’s lymphoma?
A malignant tumour of the lymphatic system
What is Hodgkin’s lymphoma histologically characterised by?
The presence of multi-nucleated giant cells and associated abnormal smaller mononuclear cells
What are the multi-nucleated giant cells seen in Hodgkin’s lymphoma known as?
Reed-Sternberg cells
Where do the smaller mononucleated cells in Hodgkin’s lymphoma originate from?
B lymphocytes in the germinal centres of lymphoid tissue
What helps to determine the most favourable treatment and prognosis for Hodgkin’s lymphoma?
Accurate classification of the type and staging of the disease
How many distinct classifications of Hodgkin’s lymphoma are there?
2
What are the 2 classifications of Hodgkin’s lymphoma?
- Classical Hodgkin’s lymphoma
- Nodular lymphocyte-predominant Hodgkin’s lymphoma (NLPHL)
What % of cases of Hodgkin’s lymphoma are classical?
95%
What are the subtypes of classical Hodgkin’s lymphoma?
- Nodular sclerosis
- Mixed cellularity
- Lymphocyte rich
- Lymphocyte-depleted
Are the subtypes of classical Hodgkin’s lymphoma important for prognosis and management?
No
How is NLPHL different from classical Hodgkin’s lymphoma?
Histologically distinct with absence of Reed-Sternberg cells
What is the risk of NLPHL?
High risk of transforming to high-grade non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma
What is the relevance of the distinction between classical Hodgkin’s lymphoma and NLPHL?
Managed differently
What are the risk factors for Hodgkin’s lymphoma?
- EBV
- Previous mononucleosis infection
- Immunosuppression
- Cigarette smoking
What % of patients with Hodgkin’s lymphoma have EBV within their Reed-Sternberg cells?
50%
How do most patients present with Hodgkin’s lymphoma?
- Enlarged lymph node, typically in the lower neck or supraclavicular region
- Otherwise asymptomatic
What are some other ways Hodgkin’s lymphoma presents?
- Mediastinal mass on routine CXR
- Chest discomfort with cough or dyspnoea
What term is given for systemic symptoms caused by Hodgkin’s lymphoma?
B-symptoms
What % of patients with Hodgkin’s lymphoma present with B-symptoms?
25%
What are some B-symptoms of Hodgkin’s lymphoma?
- Drenching night sweats
- Unexplained fever >38
- Weight loss >10% over 6 months
What are the examination findings in Hodgkin’s lymphoma?
- Lymphadenopathy
- Hepatomegaly
- Splenomegaly
- Superior vena cava syndrome
What are the differentials for Hodgkin’s lymphoma?
- Infectious mononucleosis
- AIDS
- Non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma
- TB
- Leukaemia
- Sarcoidosis
- Myeloma
What investigations are useful in Hodgkin’s lymphoma?
- FBC
- ESR
- Tests for possible differentials
- HIV testing
- Lymph node biopsy
- CXR
What can an FBC exclude as differentials for Hodgkin’s lymphoma?
- Leukaemia
- Mononucleosis
- Other causes of lymphadenopathy
Why can FBC be useful in suspected Hodgkin’s lymphoma?
- Exclusion of differentials
- Indicating prognosis
What are some prognostic indicators for Hodgkin’s lymphoma seen on FBC?
- Anaemia
- Leukocytosis
- Lymphopenia
Why can ESR be useful in Hodgkin’s lymphoma?
Determining prognosis
What ESR indicates a poor prognosis for Hodgkin’s lymphoma?
ESR >70
What can CXR be used for in suspected Hodgkin’s lymphoma?
Assessing any intrathoracic lymphadenopathy and mediastinal expansion
How is Hodgkin’s lymphoma pathologically diagnosed?
Lymph node biopsy
How should a lymph node biopsy be used to diagnose Hodgkin’s lymphoma?
From a sufficiently large specimen from fine needle or core biopsy or excisional biopsy
What type of biopsy is better for diagnosing Hodgkin’s lymphoma?
Excisional biopsy
Why is excisions biopsy best for diagnosing Hodgkin’s lymphoma?
Allows diagnosis based on morphology of the lymph node
What investigations are used for staging and assessing risk in Hodgkin’s lymphoma?
- FBC
- CRP
- ESR
- TSH
- Pre-treatment BBV evaluation
- Contrast-enhanced CT of neck, CAP
- PET scan
What BBV’s are looked for in the pre-treatment evaluation for Hodgkin’s lymphoma?
- Hep B and C
- HIV
What should patients with early stage Hodgkin’s lymphoma be classified into?
Favourable and non-favourable prognosis
What does the prognosis of early stage Hodgkin’s lymphoma depend on?
- Presence or absence of mediastinal adenopathy
- Presence of symptoms
- Level of ESR
- Number of lymph node sites involved
What staging system is used for Hodgkin’s lymphoma?
Ann Arbor system
What are the stages for Hodgkin’s lymphoma?
- Stage I -IV
What is Stage I Hodgkin’s lymphoma?
Involvement of one lymph-node region or lymphoid structure
What is Stage II Hodgkin’s lymphoma?
Involvement of two or more lymph-node regions on the same side of the diaphragm
What is Stage III Hodgkin’s lymphoma?
Involvement of lymph nodes both sides of the diaphragm
What nodes are involved in Stage III 1 Hodgkin’s lymphoma?
- Splenic
- Hilar
- Coeliac
- Portal
What nodes are involved in Stage III 2 Hodgkin’s lymphoma?
- Para-aortic
- Iliac
- Mesenteric
What is Stage IV Hodgkin’s lymphoma?
Involvement of extra nodal site(s)
How can the progression of Hodgkin’s lymphoma be further classified?
- Limited
- Intermediate
- Advanced
What is limited disease in Hodgkin’s lymphoma?
Up to IIB with no risk factors
What is Intermediate disease in Hodgkin’s lymphoma?
Up to IIB with at least 3 involved lymph node areas or high ESR
What is advanced disease in Hodgkin’s lymphoma?
- Stage IIB with large mediastinal mass or extra nodal disease
- Any Stage III or above
What management options are available in Hodgkin’s lymphoma?
- Chemotherapy
- Radiotherapy
- Combination therapy
What should happen to patients before Hodgkin’s lymphoma management?
Assessment for risk of acute and/or long term complications
What pre-treatment precautions are taken in Hodgkin’s lymphoma?
- Cardiac and pulmonary tests
- Vaccinations given
- Reproductive counselling and consideration of fertility preservation techniques
What is the risk of chemotherapy in Hodgkin’s lymphoma?
- Increased risk of leukaemia
- Neutropenic sepsis
Who has a higher risk of leukaemia following chemotherapy for Hodgkin’s lymphoma?
- Those undergone splenectomy
- Advanced disease
What can be given tor educe the risk of neutropenic sepsis in chemotherapy for Hodgkin’s lymphoma?
G-CSF
How can G-CSF reduce the risk of neutropenic sepsis when using chemotherapy for Hodgkin’s lymphoma?
Stimulates the production of neutrophils
How is radiotherapy classical administered in Hodgkin’s lymphoma?
Extended field of radiotherapy involving all nodal areas above the diaphragm
What additional radiation is given in Stage I and II Hodgkin’s lymphoma?
Prophylactic abdominal irradiation
What is the advantage of more extensive radiation in Hodgkin’s lymphoma?
Reduces the risk of relapse
What is the disadvantage of more extensive radiation in Hodgkin’s lymphoma?
Increases the risk of mortality from other causes
For how long are patients treated for Hodgkin’s lymphoma followed up for?
2-5 years
What are pattens treated for Hodgkin’s lymphoma at increased risk of?
- Secondary neoplasm
- Cardiovascular disease
What should patients treated for Hodgkin’s lymphoma be offered to reduce the risk of complications?
- Avoid smoking
- Manage hypertension
- Manage DM
- Manage hyperlipidaemia
What should patients who have had neck radiotherapy for Hodgkin’s lymphoma receive regularly?
TFT’s
What is an important blood transfusion related part of post-Hodgkin’s lymphoma management?
Patient should now only receive irradiated blood products
What do the complications of Hodgkin’s lymphoma mostly relate to?
Treatment
What are the potential complications of chemotherapy for Hodgkin’s lymphoma?
- Leukaemia
- Infertility
What type of leukaemia are patients treated for Hodgkin’s lymphoma with chemotherapy at particular risk of?
Acute myeloid leukaemia
What are the potential complications of radiotherapy for Hodgkin’s lymphoma?
- Secondary solid tumours
- Hypothyroidism
- Cardiovascular disease
What secondary solid tumours are patients treated for Hodgkin’s lymphoma with radiotherapy at particular risk of?
- Colon
- Lung
- Breast
- Thyroid
What is the 5 year survival rate of Hodgkin’s lymphoma?
81%
How does the survival differ between local and advanced Hodgkin’s lymphoma?
Both can be cured in most patients
What do long-term survivors of Hodgkin’s lymphoma have despite high cure rates?
Increased mortality