This National Cancer Institute (NCI) booklet [NIH Publication No. 07-1555] is about Hodgkin lymphoma,* a cancer that starts in the immune system. This type of cancer is also called Hodgkin disease. Every year in the United States, more than 8,000 people learn they have this disease.

Cancer research has led to real progress against Hodgkin lymphoma. Most people diagnosed with Hodgkin lymphoma can now be cured, or their disease can be controlled for many years. Continuing research offers hope that, in the future, even more people with this disease will be treated successfully.

This booklet tells about diagnosis, staging, treatment, and follow-up care. Learning about the medical care for Hodgkin lymphoma can help you take an active part in making choices about your own care.

This booklet has lists of questions to ask your doctor. Many people find it helpful to take a list of questions to a doctor visit. To help remember what your doctor says, you can take notes or ask whether you may use a tape recorder. You may also want to have a family member or friend go with you when you talk with the doctor - to take part in the discussion, to take notes, or just to listen.

For the latest information about Hodgkin lymphoma, please visit our Web site at http://www.cancer.gov/cancertopics/types/hodgkin. We have materials on Hodgkin lymphoma in adults and children. Or, contact our Cancer Information Service. We can answer your questions about cancer. We can send you NCI booklets and fact sheets. Call 1-800-4-CANCER (1-800-422-6237) or instant message us through the LiveHelp ² at http://www.cancer.gov/help.

Dictionary Terms

A term for diseases in which abnormal cells divide without control and can invade nearby tissues. Cancer cells can also spread to other parts of the body through the blood and lymph systems. There are several main types of cancer. Carcinoma is a cancer that begins in the skin or in tissues that line or cover internal organs. Sarcoma is a cancer that begins in bone, cartilage, fat, muscle, blood vessels, or other connective or supportive tissue. Leukemia is a cancer that starts in blood-forming tissue such as the bone marrow, and causes large numbers of abnormal blood cells to be produced and enter the blood. Lymphoma and multiple myeloma are cancers that begin in the cells of the immune system. Central nervous system cancers are cancers that begin in the tissues of the brain and spinal cord. Also called malignancy.

The complex group of organs and cells that defends the body against infections and other diseases.