What is the Difference Between Hodgkin and Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma?

The main difference between Hodgkin and non-Hodgkin lymphoma lies in the presence of a specific type of cell called a Reed-Sternberg cell, which is only seen in Hodgkin's lymphoma. Both types of lymphoma are cancers that affect the lymphatic system, but they have distinct characteristics and require different treatments. Some key differences between Hodgkin and non-Hodgkin lymphoma include:

Location: Non-Hodgkin lymphoma may arise in lymph nodes anywhere in the body, whereas Hodgkin lymphoma typically begins in the upper body, such as the neck, chest, or armpits.
Types: There are four main types of Hodgkin lymphoma, with nodular sclerosis and mixed cellularity being the most common, accounting for about 90% of all diagnoses. Non-Hodgkin lymphoma has more than 30 types and subtypes, with diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) being the most common, accounting for about 30% of all cases.
Age of diagnosis: The median age of patients diagnosed with Hodgkin lymphoma is 39, while the majority of non-Hodgkin patients are over the age of 55 when first diagnosed.
Survival rates: In general, the five-year relative survival rate for Hodgkin lymphoma is higher than that of non-Hodgkin lymphoma. More than 89% of patients diagnosed with Hodgkin lymphoma survive five years or more, while nearly 74% of patients diagnosed with non-Hodgkin lymphoma survive five years or more.

Despite these differences, both Hodgkin and non-Hodgkin lymphoma share similar symptoms, such as enlarged lymph nodes in the armpits, neck, and groin. Treatment options for both types of lymphoma depend on factors such as disease stage, symptoms, age, and other health conditions.