Classical Hodgkin's lymphoma is a term used to describe a group of four common types of Hodgkin's lymphoma. Together they comprise more than 90% of all Hodgkin's disease. The 4 types are:
- Nodular Sclerosing Hodgkin's Lymphoma (NSHL) - the most common variety of Hodgkin's in developed countries. It occurs more in younger people.
- Mixed Cellularity Hodgkin's Lymphoma (MCHL) - the next most common, a type that may occur at any age.
- Lymphocyte Rich Classical Hodgkin's Lymphoma (LRCHL) - an uncommon type, more common in middle-aged individuals.
- Lymphocyte Depleted Hodgkin's Lymphoma (LDHL) - the least common variety, more common in older individuals and those with impaired body defenses.
The symptoms of lymphoma are not very different between these four types, but the patterns of enlarged lymph nodes and the stage at diagnosis may be quite different. As a result, the outcomes after treatment may also be different. An experienced pathologist can determine the exact type of Hodgkin's by examining lymph node biopsy samples under the microscope. Links to each type provides more details about that particular type of Hodgkin's lymphoma.
Source:
Cancer: Principles and Practice of Oncology 7th Edition. Editors: VT DeVita, S Hellman and SA Rosenberg. Published by Lippincott Williams and Wilkins, 2005.
