Treatment of Hodgkin Lymphoma During Pregnancy

For information about the treatments listed below, see the Treatment Option Overview section.

Hodgkin Lymphoma During the First Trimester of Pregnancy

When Hodgkin lymphoma is diagnosed in the first trimester of pregnancy, it does not necessarily mean that the woman will be advised to end the pregnancy. Each woman's treatment will depend on the stage of the lymphoma, how fast it is growing, and her wishes. Treatment of Hodgkin lymphoma during the first trimester of pregnancy may include the following:

• Watchful waiting when the cancer is above the diaphragm and is slow-growing. Labor may be induced early so the mother can begin treatment.
• Radiation therapy when the cancer is above the diaphragm. A lead shield is used to protect the fetus from the radiation as much as possible.
• Chemotherapy using one or more drugs.

Hodgkin Lymphoma During the Second or Third Trimester of Pregnancy

When Hodgkin lymphoma is diagnosed in the second half of pregnancy, most women can delay treatment until after delivery. Treatment of Hodgkin lymphoma during the second or third trimester of pregnancy may include the following:

• Watchful waiting, with plans to induce labor when the fetus is 32 to 36 weeks.
• Radiation therapy to relieve breathing problems caused by a large tumor in the chest.
• Combination chemotherapy using one or more drugs.
• Steroid therapy.