The short answer
Lymphoma is cancer of the lymph system and comes in two main groups. Hodgkin lymphoma has a specific cell (the Reed-Sternberg cell) and is often highly curable. Non-Hodgkin lymphoma is far more common, has many subtypes, and ranges from slow-growing to fast-growing. Treatment depends on the exact subtype.
Lymphoma is cancer of the lymph system, part of the immune defenses.
Hodgkin lymphoma is defined by the Reed-Sternberg cell and is often highly curable.
Non-Hodgkin lymphoma is much more common and has many subtypes.
Non-Hodgkin types range from slow-growing (indolent) to fast-growing (aggressive).
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The full explanation.
What lymphoma is
Lymphoma is a cancer that starts in the lymphatic system — the network of lymph nodes and vessels that is part of your immune system. It develops when certain white blood cells (lymphocytes) grow out of control. Lymphoma is grouped into two main families: Hodgkin lymphoma and non-Hodgkin lymphoma.
How doctors tell them apart
The key difference is under the microscope. Hodgkin lymphoma contains a specific abnormal cell called the Reed-Sternberg cell. When those cells are absent and lymphoma is present, it is classified as non-Hodgkin lymphoma. A biopsy of an affected lymph node is how pathologists make this distinction.
Hodgkin lymphoma
Hodgkin lymphoma is less common of the two and often affects younger adults as well as older people. It tends to spread in an orderly way from one group of lymph nodes to the next. It is one of the more treatable cancers, and many people are cured, though treatment still depends on the stage and type.
Non-Hodgkin lymphoma
Non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL) is much more common and is really a large group of related diseases with many subtypes. Some are slow-growing (indolent) and may be watched before treatment; others are fast-growing (aggressive) and treated promptly. NHL is less predictable than Hodgkin lymphoma and can appear in lymph nodes or other organs.
Why the subtype matters
Because there are so many subtypes with different behaviors, an accurate diagnosis — including the exact subtype — is essential to choosing treatment. Options can include chemotherapy, immunotherapy, targeted therapy, radiation, and sometimes careful monitoring. If you have been diagnosed, ask your team which subtype you have.
Words to know
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Common questions
▸What is the main difference between Hodgkin and non-Hodgkin lymphoma?
Hodgkin lymphoma contains a specific cell called the Reed-Sternberg cell; non-Hodgkin lymphoma does not. They also differ in how common they are and how they behave.
▸Which is more common?
Non-Hodgkin lymphoma is far more common and includes many subtypes, from slow-growing to fast-growing.
▸Is Hodgkin lymphoma curable?
Hodgkin lymphoma is one of the more treatable cancers, and many people are cured, though treatment depends on the stage and type.
▸Why does the subtype matter?
Because subtypes behave differently, the exact diagnosis guides treatment — from active monitoring to chemotherapy, immunotherapy, or targeted drugs.
Questions to ask your doctor
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Your next step
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