Hodgkin's disease. Light micrograph of a section through a lymph node affected by nodular sclerosing pattern Hodgkin's disease. Hodgkin's disease, or Hodgkin's lymphoma, is a malignant (cancerous) tumour (neoplasm) that develops in the lymphoreticular system. There are four histological forms of the disease each with a different prognosis and level of aggression. This form results in the deposition of irregular bands of fibrous tissue and gives a nodular appearance to the node. It is associated with a good prognosis if diagnosed at an early stage.