Etymed
hodgkin lymphoma
Definition
A malignant tumor of the lymphatic system, characterized by the presence of Reed-Sternberg cells, named after Thomas Hodgkin who first described it
Clinical context
A 28-year-old man presents with painless lymphadenopathy in the cervical and axillary regions for 6 weeks. Physical examination reveals firm, non-tender lymph nodes. A lymph node biopsy shows the presence of large, abnormal cells with prominent nucleoli, leading to the diagnosis of Hodgkin lymphoma. The patient's physician explains that this malignancy is characterized by the classic Reed-Sternberg cells found in the affected lymph nodes.
Mnemonic
HODGKIN - Hairy Reed-Sternberg cells, Old men get it, Disease in lymph nodes, Great prognosis, Involves lymphatic system