Two major types of Hodgkin lymphoma are recognized: classical (which includes the nodular sclerosis, mixed cellularity, lymphocyte-rich, and lymphocyte-depleted subtypes) and nodular lymphocyte predominant.

Patients with a history of mononucleosis, autoimmune disease, or immunodeficiency, including HIV infection, have an increased incidence of Hodgkin lymphoma.

Only one-third of patients with Hodgkin lymphoma present with B symptoms.

Hodgkin lymphoma is highly curable.

Hodgkin lymphoma survivors are at increased risk for certain infections, hypothyroidism, benign or malignant thyroid tumors, and development of other solid tumors (in 10% to 20% of cases).

Patients with inherited and acquired immunodeficiencies have a significantly increased risk of developing non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL).

Because NHL may involve any lymphatic or extralymphatic tissue, virtually any presenting symptom is possible; most patients complain of painless enlargement of one or more superficial lymph nodes.

NHL can be divided into two broad categories: indolent and aggressive.