A client recently diagnosed with Hodgkin lymphoma asks the nurse about the main difference between Hodgkin lymphoma (HL) and non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL)
How should the nurse respond?

Choice A rationale:

Fever exceeding 38°C is a common symptom in HL, known as "Pel-Ebstein fever." This cyclic pattern of fever is characteristic of Hodgkin's lymphoma, but it is not the only common symptom.

Therefore, this choice is partially correct but not the most comprehensive.

Choice B rationale:

Significant unexplained weight loss over a period of six months or less is a classic "B" symptom associated with HL.

B symptoms are systemic symptoms that indicate a more advanced stage of the disease and typically include fever, night sweats, and weight loss exceeding 10% of the patient's baseline.

This choice is correct and represents a hallmark of HL.

Choice C rationale:

Abdominal pain and fullness are not typically associated with Hodgkin's lymphoma.

These symptoms are more commonly linked to other lymphoproliferative disorders or non-Hodgkin's lymphoma (NHL)

Choice D rationale:

Difficulty breathing is not a primary symptom of Hodgkin's lymphoma.

While it is possible for HL to cause enlarged lymph nodes in the mediastinum, leading to compression of the airways, this is not a common presenting symptom.

Choice A rationale:

Hodgkin lymphoma (HL) is characterized by the presence of Reed-Sternberg cells, which are large, abnormal B lymphocytes with multi-lobed nuclei.

These cells are typically present in HL and are a hallmark feature that distinguishes it from non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL)

Reed-Sternberg cells are not found in NHL.

This difference in cell type is one of the main distinctions between HL and NHL.

Choice B rationale:

This statement is not accurate.

NHL can originate from both T cells and B cells, while HL primarily originates from B cells.

However, the presence of Reed-Sternberg cells is the more distinguishing feature between the two.

Choice C rationale:

This statement is incorrect.

HL and NHL have different clinical manifestations, and their pathogenesis and treatment also differ significantly.

While some symptoms may overlap, they are not the same.

Choice D rationale:

This statement is incorrect.

HL primarily affects lymph nodes, and it can also spread to other organs.

NHL, on the other hand, can affect various organs, including lymph nodes, but it does not primarily affect the digestive tract.

Again, the presence of Reed-Sternberg cells is a more critical distinguishing factor.