Chart — Hematology
Hodgkin vs Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma Chart
One cell decides the diagnosis: Reed-Sternberg = Hodgkin. From there, Hodgkin is the orderly, curable one; non-Hodgkin is the common, unpredictable family of many subtypes.
Educational use only. Staging and treatment are individualized and provider-directed. This chart is an educational comparison aid. This material supports nursing education and exam review. It is not medical advice and is not a substitute for clinical judgment, institutional policy, or medical direction. Always follow facility protocols and current provider orders.
Side by Side
| Feature | Hodgkin lymphoma | Non-Hodgkin lymphoma |
|---|---|---|
| Defining cell | Reed-Sternberg cell (diagnostic) | No Reed-Sternberg cells; many B- and T-cell subtypes |
| Frequency | Less common | More common (the majority of lymphomas) |
| Age | Bimodal — young adults (15–35) and over 55 | Incidence rises with age; broad range |
| Spread | Orderly, CONTIGUOUS (node to adjacent node) | Unpredictable, diffuse; often widespread at diagnosis |
| Typical onset site | Single node group, often cervical/supraclavicular | Multiple nodes; frequent extranodal/organ involvement |
| B symptoms | Common; affect staging | Variable |
| Prognosis | Generally excellent — one of the most curable cancers | Highly variable by subtype (indolent vs aggressive) |
| Treatment | Chemo (e.g., ABVD) ± radiation | Chemo (e.g., R-CHOP) ± immunotherapy/radiation |
Exam Traps
- ✦Reed-Sternberg cells = Hodgkin lymphoma — the single most tested distinguishing fact.
- ✦Hodgkin spreads contiguously (node to node) and is highly curable; NHL spreads diffusely and is more common.
- ✦B symptoms (fever, drenching night sweats, weight loss) raise the stage and are common in Hodgkin.
- ✦Diagnosis requires an excisional lymph node biopsy (not just FNA); PET/CT defines extent.
- ✦Painless, firm, rubbery lymphadenopathy is the hallmark presentation of both.
Related Resources
Standards & sources
Fact-checked Jun 21, 2026This page is written to align with AABB (transfusion standards) · American Society of Hematology (ASH). It is an educational summary, not a citation of any single document — always verify specific doses, values, and protocols against current guidelines and your facility policy. How we source content →