Hodgkin's disease

Cancer of the lymphatic system. Tumors affect the lymph nodes that are close to the body's surface such as the neck, armpit, chest and groin area.

Incidence

Most common form of lymphomas, accounting 16% of adolescent cancers. Occurs mainly in young adults and in people over age 65.

Treatment

Mainly involves chemotherapy and sometimes radiotherapy.

Follow up

Hodgkin's disease survival rate is 90%. Long term follow up is important as there is a small risk of developing a secondary cancer later in life as a result of earlier treatment.

Non-Hodgkin's lymphoma (NHL)

Cancer of the lymphatic system that do not have the features of Hodgkin's disease. NHL affects the lymph nodes that are deeper in the body. There are two main types of NHL: B cell NHL and T cell NHL. B cell NHL usually affects the lymph nodes in the neck, head, throat and abdomen. T cell NHL usually affects the lymph nodes in the chest.

Incidence

Occurs most often in ages 10 to 20, accounting for 8% of all adolescent cancers.

Treatment

Chemotherapy is the main treatment for NHL. T cell NHL treatment takes place over two years while treatment for B cell NHL is a lot shorter. Short term and long term side effects are associated with NHL treatment.

Follow up

Regular follow up will take place in the hospital outpatients department. Successful treatment will depend on the type and stage of lymphoma. 69% of adolescents with NHL survive.