In Hodgkin Lymphoma, the ultimate outcome depends on a wide variety of factors. Some are related to the disease and some to the person affected. Though outcomes in Hodgkin disease are overall quite good, the doctor will routinely evaluate a number of these factors to determine how the disease is likely to behave. Here is a discussion on these factors and how they affect the results of treatment
This of course is the most important of all factors. Read more about staging in Understanding Lymphoma Stages. Early stage disease - Stages I and II has a better outcome than advanced stage disease - stages III and IV.
Those who have significant weight loss, fevers or drenching seats at night are said to have 'B' symptoms. These symptoms make cure less likely than in those who don't have any of these symptoms.
Lymphoma most commonly presents with lymph node swellings. If the size of these swellings is more than 10 centimeters, or if lymph node masses are seen in more than a couple of areas, the results of treatment are worse.
Lymphoma is a cancer of the lymph system. Read more about the lymph system organs in Understanding the Lymph System. If the lymphoma affects organs outside the lymph system, like the liver, spine or brain, treatment results are generally inferior.
You may have to undergo a number of blood tests once you are diagnosed with lymphoma. This is because many of them can determine your prognosis. The blood counts, protein levels, the ESR and other tests determine to certain extent how well treatments are likely to respond.
The age and sex of the individual also determine outcomes. Younger persons and women tend to have better outcomes than older individuals and males.
