Hodgkin's lymphoma (Hodgkin's disease) is a localized or disseminated proliferation of solid tumor cells arising from the lymphoreticular system (lymph nodes) that may originate in any lymph tissue and the bone marrow.

The exact cause of Hodgkin's lymphoma is unknown.

The signs and symptoms of the disease consist of painless enlargement of the lymph nodes, often beginning in the cervical neck region, and then appearing in the axillary, inguinal, mediastinal, and mesenteric regions. There may also be the following:

• swelling of the nodes in other areas

• persistent fever

• night sweats

• fatigue

• loss of appetite

• weight loss

• severe pruritus

Late signs and symptoms may include the following:

• edema of the face and neck

• jaundice

• nerve pain

• enlargement of the retroperitoneal nodes

• nodular involvement of the spleen, liver, and bones

Tests that are used to diagnose and identify the stage of the condition include biopsy of the affected tissue with examination of tissue for Reed-Sternberg cells. The Ann Arbor staging system is used for Hodgkin's lymphoma to delineate the extent or stage of the disease (Ann Arbor stages). Other tests that may be conducted include:

• complete blood count (CBC)

• bone marrow analysis

• liver and spleen biopsies

• chest x-ray

• abdominal computed tomography (CT)

• lung and bone scans

• lymphangiography

• staging laparotomy

The goal of the treatment is curative. This goal may include radiation therapy and chemotherapy or a combination of both as dictated by the condition. Chemotherapy may include several different prescription drugs.  A bone marrow transplant may also be conducted.

During chemotherapy treatment, the person may have complications that include: anorexia, nausea, vomiting, mouth ulcers, alopecia, fatigue, and bone marrow depression. There may also be adverse effects to radiation therapy to include: hair loss, anorexia, nausea, vomiting, and fatigue. The person should be monitored while taking steroids for side effects. Counseling may be needed for emotional support. Appropriate treatment has provided a survival rate of greater than 90 percent at the five-year point.

• Consider service connection on a presumptive basis as a chronic condition (38 CFR 3.307; §3.309(a)).

• Consider service connection on a presumptive basis as a condition associated with herbicide exposure (38 CFR 3.307(a)(6); §3.307(d); §3.309(e)).

• A 100 percent evaluation shall continue beyond the cessation of any surgical therapy, radiation therapy, antineoplastic chemotherapy, or other therapeutic procedures. Six months after discontinuance of such treatment, the appropriate disability rating shall be determined by mandatory VA examination. Any reduction in evaluation based upon that or any subsequent examination shall be subject to the provisions of 38 CFR 3.105(e). If there has been no local recurrence or metastasis, rate on residuals under the appropriate diagnostic code(s).