In both age groups males predominate unlike non-Hodgkin's lymphoma in which there is no sex predilection. Multifocal, hematogenously disseminated disease with abdominal lymph node and bone marrow involvement is common. The presence of Reed-Sternberg cells is required for diagnosis. Localized nodal disease characterized by contiguous spread to lymphoid tissues is common. Mediastinal lymph node involvement and systemic symptoms are also common.
Lymphoma is one of the most curable forms of cancer.
The Ann Arbor Staging System is used for both Hodgkin's and non-Hodgkin's lymphoma. Stage I is defined as involvement of a single lymph node region or single extralymphatic site. Stage II is involvement of two or more lymph node regions on the same side of the diaphragm, or localized contiguous involvement of only one extralymphatic site and lymph node region. Stage III is defined as disease in lymph node regions on both sides of the diaphragm and includes splenic involvement. Stage IV disease is disseminated involvement of one or more extralymphatic organs with or without lymph node involvement.