Treatment primarily depends on the following:

• The type of Hodgkin's lymphoma (most people have classic Hodgkin's)
• The stage (where the disease is found)
• Whether the tumor is more than 4 inches (10 cm) wide
• The patient's age and other medical issues
• Other factors, including weight loss, night sweats, and fever

A staging evaluation is necessary to determine the treatment plan.

• Stage I indicates one lymph node region is involved (for example, the right neck).
• Stage II indicates involvement of two lymph node areas on the same side of the diaphragm (for example, both sides of the neck).
• Stage III indicates lymph node involvement on both sides of the diaphragm (for example, groin and armpit).
• Stage IV involves the spread of cancer outside the lymph nodes (for example, to bone marrow, lungs, or liver).

Treatment varies with the stage of the disease. The best treatment for an individual patient depends on many factors, and should be discussed with a doctor who has experience treating this disease.

• Stages I and II (limited disease) can be treated with local radiation therapy, chemotherapy, or a combination of both.
• Stages III and IV (extensive disease) are treated with chemotherapy alone or a combination of radiation therapy and chemotherapy.

You can often ease the stress of illness by joining a support group of people who share common experiences and problems. See cancer - support group.

With the right treatment, more than 80% of people with stage I or II Hodgkin's lymphoma survive for at least 10 years. If the disease has spread, the treatment is more intense and the 5-year survival rate is about 60%.

• Inability to have children (infertility)
• Liver failure
• Lung problems
• Other cancers
• Side effects of radiation and chemotherapy

Chemotherapy can cause low blood cell counts, which can lead to an increased risk of bleeding, infection, and anemia. To minimize bleeding, apply ice and pressure to any external bleeding. Use a soft toothbrush and electric razor for personal hygiene.

Infection should always be taken seriously during cancer treatment. Contact your doctor immediately if you develop fever or other signs of infection. Planning daily activities with scheduled rest periods may help prevent fatigue associated with anemia.

Call your health care provider if:

• You have symptoms of Hodgkin's lymphoma
• You are being treated for Hodgkin's lymphoma and you experience side effects of radiation and chemotherapy, including nausea, loss of appetite, vomiting, diarrhea, fever, or bleeding