Lymphocytes are white blood cells that make up the immune system. Blood malignancies that originate in lymphocytes include Hodgkin lymphoma and non-Hodgkin lymphoma. Although having somewhat similar names, they are two different blood malignancies.

Reed-Sternberg cells are found in Hodgkin lymphoma but not in non-Hodgkin lymphoma. Besides, they differ depending on their classification. What you should know about the two blood cancers, including their causes, how to treat them, and how to live with them, is provided here.

The difference between non-Hodgkin and Hodgkin lymphoma

Although there are over 90 different forms of lymphoma, they can be divided into two groups: non-Hodgkin lymphoma and Hodgkin lymphoma. The distinction is based on whether or not each cancer has subtypes and a distinct cell type that can be seen under a microscope.

Cells of Reed-Sternberg

Individuals with Hodgkin’s lymphoma, also referred to as Hodgkin’s disease, have a specific type of cancerous cell called Reed-Sternberg cells. These cells are not found in patients with non-Hodgkin lymphoma, also referred to as non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma.

The name is given to the scientists who were the first to clearly describe and explain Reed-Sternberg cells. They contain multiple nuclei, which carry most of the genetic material in a cell, and are much larger than other lymphocytes.

Limaiem F. Reed Sternberg cells, Aggarwal P. StatPearls Publishing, 2022. In: StatPearls.

Classification of Types

In addition, the types of blood cancers differ. For example, Hodgkin lymphoma can be either nodular lymphocyte-predominant or classic. Popcorn cells, which are different from Reed-Sternberg cells, are present in the nodular lymphocyte-predominant type of the disease, while the “classic” Reed-Sternberg cells are present in the classic type. There are also the following types of non-Hodgkin lymphoma.

• Aggressive: The lymphoma progresses rapidly and needs urgent medical care.
• B lymphocyte: Lymphomas affect B cells, which are the antibody-producing cells.
• Indolent: The lymphoma spreads slowly and does not have to be treated immediately.
• T lymphocyte: T cells, which destroy bacteria or regulate the activity of other immune system cells, are affected by lymphomas.

Symptoms of Hodgkin vs. Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma

The symptoms of lymphoma are often not apparent, especially in the case of a disease that is not aggressive. However, either type of cancer may lead to,

• Pain in the chest
• Night sweats or chills
• Coughing or shortness of breath
• Fatigue and chills
• enlargement of lymph nodes
• Shortness of breath
• Unexplained weight loss

In addition to itching skin and loss of appetite, Hodgkin lymphoma can also cause other symptoms that are unique to non-Hodgkin lymphoma.

• Early satiety with a modest meal intake
• Simple bleeding or bruises
• Infections that are severe or persistent
• enlarged abdomen

Hodgkin vs. non-Hodgkin lymphoma causes

It is unknown what causes Hodgkin and non-Hodgkin lymphoma. Nonetheless, an Epstein-Barr virus infection that causes alterations in B cell DNA may be the cause of Hodgkin lymphoma.

The American Cancer Society. Why does Hodgkin lymphoma occur?

Risk Elements

Lymphoma can affect anyone, but the most significant risk factor is a compromised immune system.

MedlinePlus. lymphoma.

Individuals who are on immunosuppressive drugs as a result of organ transplantation are at an increased risk, as are individuals who have autoimmune rheumatologic disorders such as lupus or rheumatoid arthritis. Health was reported by Gary Schiller, MD, director of the UCLA Hematological Malignancies/Stem Cell Transplant Unit and professor of hematology and oncology. These are some of the other risk factors.

• Age: Hodgkin lymphoma is generally younger, and both tumors are older.
• Born with a male gender assignment Family history of either malignancy, however Hodgkin lymphoma seldom has family ties
• Exposure to radiation for non-Hodgkin lymphoma

Hodgkin’s disease and non-Hodgkin’s lymphomas treatments

The type and severity of the lymphoma will determine the course of treatment. However, either type of lymphoma may be treated with radiation, chemotherapy, or a combination.

Mukkamalla SKR, Jamil A. lymphoma. StatPearls Publishing, 2023. In: StatPearls.

A stem cell transplant is required for some people. Your own blood stem cells may be harvested and reinfused (autologous transplant) or donor stem cells may be used (allogeneic transplant).

Your physician may recommend immunotherapy. Medications used in immunotherapy tap into the power of your immune system. This one might be used if previous therapies aren’t effective.

Living with Hodgkin’s disease as compared to non-Hodgkin’s

Although it may seem like the purpose of treatment is to get rid of the cancer, some people can live with lymphoma for a long time, so that may not be the case. Dr. Schiller said, “The goal is not always a cure,” “The goal is survival.”

In comparison, Hodgkin lymphoma is usually diagnosed earlier than non-Hodgkin lymphoma, which makes treatment much easier. More than 90% of patients diagnosed with Hodgkin lymphoma live for more than five years after diagnosis.

Cancer Research National Foundation. What differentiates Hodgkin’s from non-Hodgkin’s?

There are over 60 different subtypes of non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma, making it harder to generalize conclusions for it. In general, two among many influencing prognostic variables are the specific subtype and the cancer’s aggressiveness.