Malignant neoplasm of the lymphoid tissue

Commonly seen in adolescents and young adults

Excellent prognosis

This disorder may originate in a localized group of lymph nodes.

It proliferates by way of lymphocytes to other sites, including bone marrow, the liver, the lungs, the mediastinum, and the spleen.

Unknown; suspected viral etiology, particularly with the Epstein-Barr virus

Environmental and immunologic factors

Painless, firm, persistently enlarged lymph nodes

Night sweats

Pruritus

Recurrent fever

Weight loss

Lymph node and bone marrow biopsies confirm diagnosis by revealing Reed-Sternberg cells (enlarged, abnormal histiocytes).

Chest X-ray, abdominal computed tomography scan, ultrasound, or lymphangiogram detect lymph node or organ involvement.

I.V. dye is injected into the feet (with X-rays tracking it) and travels up the body where it’s absorbed by the lymphatic system (cancerous nodes differ in appearance from normal lymph nodes).

Blood tests show mild to severe normocytic anemia and elevated serum alkaline phosphatase, which indicates liver or bone involvement.