It is a type of lymphoma, which is a cancer originating from white blood cells called lymphocytes. It was named after Thomas Hodgkin, who first described abnormalities in the lymph system in 1832.

The 10-year overall survival rate is more than 90% for any stage, though early diagnosis may help. Since many patients are young, they often live 40 years or more after treatment. There are no guidelines for preventing Hodgkin's lymphoma; this is because the cause is unknown or multifactorial.