What is the Difference Between Lymphoma and Non Hodgkin’s Lymphoma?

The primary difference between Hodgkin's and non-Hodgkin's lymphoma lies in the type of lymphocyte affected and the presence of Reed-Sternberg cells. Here are the key differences between the two:

1. Reed-Sternberg Cells: If a specific type of cell called a Reed-Sternberg cell is seen, the lymphoma is classified as Hodgkin's. If the Reed-Sternberg cell is not present, the lymphoma is classified as non-Hodgkin's.
2. Prevalence: Non-Hodgkin lymphoma is more common than Hodgkin lymphoma, though both types of cancer are relatively rare.
3. Age of Diagnosis: The median age for diagnosis of Hodgkin lymphoma is 39, while the majority of non-Hodgkin patients are over the age of 55 when first diagnosed.
4. Origin and Development: Non-Hodgkin lymphoma may arise in lymph nodes anywhere in the body, whereas Hodgkin lymphoma typically begins in the upper body, such as the neck, chest, or armpits.
5. Progression: Hodgkin lymphoma tends to progress in a more predictable way than non-Hodgkin lymphoma, making it easier to recognize and treat.
6. Types and Subtypes: There are more than 30 types of non-Hodgkin lymphoma, with diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) being the most common, accounting for about 30 percent of all cases. In contrast, there are four main types of Hodgkin lymphoma, with nodular sclerosis and mixed cellularity being the most common, accounting for about 90 percent of all diagnoses.
7. Survival Rates: The five-year relative survival rate for Hodgkin lymphoma is higher than that of non-Hodgkin lymphoma, with more than 89 percent of patients diagnosed with Hodgkin lymphoma surviving five years or more, compared to nearly 74 percent of patients diagnosed with non-Hodgkin lymphoma.

Despite these differences, both Hodgkin and non-Hodgkin lymphoma share similar symptoms, such as enlarged lymph nodes in the armpits, neck, or groin, fatigue, fever, night sweats, and unexplained weight loss.

Comparative Table: Lymphoma vs Non Hodgkin’s Lymphoma

Here is a table comparing the differences between Hodgkin's lymphoma and non-Hodgkin's lymphoma:

Both Hodgkin's lymphoma and non-Hodgkin's lymphoma are cancers that affect the lymphatic system, but they differ in their prevalence, symptoms, outlook, causes, and treatment.