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Hodgkin's vs. non-Hodgkin's lymphoma
By Mayo Clinic staffOriginal Article: http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/lymphoma/AN01209
- With Mayo Clinic hematologist
Ruben A. Mesa, M.D.
read biographyclose windowBiography of
Ruben A. Mesa, M.D.
Ruben A. Mesa, M.D.
Dr. Ruben Mesa is board certified in internal medicine, hematology and medical oncology and is director of the Acute and Chronic Leukemias Program in the Division of Hematology-Oncology at Mayo Clinic in Arizona. Dr. Mesa is also a professor of medicine.
The Chicago-area native's primary field of interest is hematology with special interests in both acute and chronic leukemias — specifically the chronic myeloproliferative disorders (MPDs).
"I believe patients' understanding of their disease is a critical first step in the healing process," he says. "I believe that the Internet, carefully used, is a phenomenal resource for patients to be able to access high-quality and valuable information to understand both their diseases and various treatments."
Dr. Mesa has been with Mayo Clinic throughout his training since 1991 and is a graduate of Mayo Medical School. He is a member of the American Society of Hematology, the American Society of Clinical Oncology and the American College of Physicians.
His scholarship has focused on advancing the understanding and therapy of the chronic myeloproliferative disorders. In these disorders, he has been active in evaluating novel therapeutics, implementing clinical trials, and working with quality of life studies. He also works with national patient groups.
He has been principal investigator or co-principal investigator in 20 clinical trials for patients with myeloproliferative neoplasms or other myeloid disorders. He is committed to improving the therapy and quality of life in MPD patients. He has lectured both nationally and internationally on these disorders.
Dr. Mesa founded the biennial Mayo Clinic Living With a Blood Disease Symposium for patients with hematologic diseases. He sits on the editorial board of the journal Blood, and several other journals.
Tests and diagnosis (1)
- Hodgkin's vs. non-Hodgkin's lymphoma
Alternative medicine (1)
- Aromatherapy: Is it worthwhile?
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Question
Hodgkin's vs. non-Hodgkin's lymphoma
What's the difference between Hodgkin's disease and non-Hodgkin's lymphoma?
Answer
from Ruben A. Mesa, M.D.
Both Hodgkin's lymphoma (formerly known as Hodgkin's disease) and non-Hodgkin's lymphoma are lymphomas, a type of cancer that begins in a subset of white blood cells called lymphocytes. Lymphocytes are an important part of your immune system. The main difference between Hodgkin's and non-Hodgkin's lymphoma is in the specific lymphocyte each involves.
A doctor can tell the difference between Hodgkin's and non-Hodgkin's lymphoma by examining the cancer cells under a microscope. If in examining the cells, the doctor detects the presence of a specific type of abnormal cell called a Reed-Sternberg cell, the lymphoma is classified as Hodgkin's. If the Reed-Sternberg cell is not present, the lymphoma is classified as non-Hodgkin's.
The distinction is important because the treatment and outcomes for each type can be very different.
Next questionAromatherapy: Is it worthwhile?
- Non-Hodgkin lymphoma. American Cancer Society. http://www.cancer.org/Cancer/Non-HodgkinLymphoma/DetailedGuide/non-hodgkin-lymphoma-what-is-non-hodgkin-lymphoma. Accessed Sept. 9, 2011.
- Non-Hodgkin lymphomas. The Merck Manuals: The Merck Manual for Healthcare Professionals. http://www.merckmanuals.com/professional/hematology_and_oncology/lymphomas/non-hodgkin_lymphomas.html. Accessed Sept. 9, 2011.
- Hodgkin lymphoma (Hodgkin's disease). The Merck Manuals: The Merck Manual for Healthcare Professionals. http://www.merckmanuals.com/professional/hematology_and_oncology/lymphomas/hodgkin_lymphoma.html. Accessed Sept. 9, 2011.
- Hodgkin disease. American Cancer Society. http://www.cancer.org/Cancer/HodgkinDisease/DetailedGuide/hodgkin-disease-what-is-hodgkin-disease. Accessed Sept. 9, 2011.
- Reeder CB (expert opinion). Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minn. Sept. 13, 2011.
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