[Diagnosis and staging of Hodgkin lymphoma]

DIAGNOSIS AND STAGING OF HODGKIN LYMPHOMA. Hodgkin lymphoma (HL) is composed of two distinct disease entities: classical HL (cHL) and nodular lymphocyte predominant HL (NLPHL). NLPHL is a rare entity with a specific therapeutic management. The subgroups of cHL are nodular sclerosis, mixed cellularity, lymphocyte depletion and lymphocyte-rich HL. The initial diagnosis of HL is made by a biopsy to analyze with accuracy the architecture of the lymph node. Most HL patients present with supradiaphragmatic lymphadenopathy. Initial staging is determined by positron emission tomography (PET) scan and bone marrow biopsy is now avoided of initial staging. This staging allows the definition of prognostic groups to determine a risk-adapted initial therapy to maintain a high level of curability and reduce long-term therapeutic side effects. Before initial treatment, cardiac ultrasound and pulmonary function tests are needed. The question of fertility preservation is important to address before treatment and for older patients the requirement of geriatric assessment.