A person with Hodgkin's disease has abnormal cells in the lymph nodes or spleen that multiply out of control. These cells can form tumors and spread to other parts of the body.

Hodgkin's disease is most common in children and young adults, between the ages of 15 and 40. With early treatment, about 50 percent of those with Hodgkin's lymphoma can be completely cured. The two main types of lymphoma are Hodgkin's disease and non-Hodgkin lymphoma.