TriangleFOR PATIENTS · SOURCE READING
Treatment for Hodgkin lymphoma may cause side effects.
Source: Hodgkin Lymphoma Treatment (PDQ®)–Patient Version, National Cancer Institute.
Source updated: February 27, 2025 · Captured 2026-09-09.
Selected source text with whitespace normalised. This Triangle page is not an NCI PDQ summary. Independent clinical review is pending.
Context: Treatment Option Overview
To learn more about side effects that begin during treatment for cancer, visit Side Effects.
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Side effects from cancer treatment that begin after treatment and continue for months or years are called late effects. Treatment with chemotherapy and/or radiation therapy for Hodgkin lymphoma may increase the risk of second cancers and other health problems for many months or years after treatment. These late effects depend on the type of treatment and the patient's age when treated, and may include:
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Second cancers.
Second cancers.
Solid tumors, such as mesothelioma and cancer of the lung, breast, thyroid, bone, soft tissue, stomach, esophagus, colon, rectum, cervix, and head and neck.
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Infertility.
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Hypothyroidism (too little thyroid hormone in the blood).
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Heart disease, such as heart attack.
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Lung problems, such as trouble breathing.
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Avascular necrosis of bone (death of bone cells caused by lack of blood flow).
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Severe infection.
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Chronic fatigue.
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Cognitive impairment.
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Regular follow-up by doctors who are experts in finding and treating late effects is important for the long-term health of patients treated for Hodgkin lymphoma.
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Preserved source evidence · Independent clinical review pending · Not medical advice