Hodgkins Lymphoma (HL) is a cancer of the lymphatic system - the network of lymph glands and channels which occurs throughout the body. This collects lymph - fluid that bathes all the body cells. The lymphatic system is also a very important part of the immune system which keeps the body free of infection. This is mainly achieved by the cells within the lymph nodes and other lymphatic tissues. These are called lymphocytes and, like other blood cells are produced within the bone marrow. Lymphocytes can be classified into sub-groups according to their function the main groups are B-cells and T-cells. Different types of lymphocytes produce antibodies and directly destroy some infecting organisms, especially viruses. Tumours of the lymphatic tissues are known as lymphomas.
There are two main types of lymphoma, Hodgkin's Lymphoma (HL), and Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma (NHL). The defining feature of Hodgkins Lymphoma is the presence of a distinctive abnormal lymphocyte called a Reed-Sternberg cell. Hodgkins Lymphoma has a very high cure rate, especially in younger patients diagnosed with early stage disease. In this group the cure rate may approach 100%.
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