Cancer, Hodgkin's disease

Other names: Hodgkin's disease, Hodgkin's lymphoma

DEFINITION

Hodgkin's lymphoma — formerly known as Hodgkin's disease — is a Cancer of the lymphatic system, which is part of your immune system. In Hodgkin's lymphoma, cells in the lymphatic system grow abnormally and may spread beyond the lymphatic system. As Hodgkin's lymphoma progresses, it compromises your body's ability to fight infection. Hodgkin's lymphoma is one of two common types of Cancers of the lymphatic system. The other type, Non-Hodgkin's lymphoma, is far more common.

SYMPTOMS

• Painless swelling of lymph nodes in your neck, armpits or groin
• Persistent fatigue
• Fever and chills
• Night sweats
• Unexplained weight loss
• Loss of appetite
• Itching
• Increased sensitivity to the effects of alcohol or pain in your lymph nodes after drinking alcohol

CAUSES

It's not clear what causes Hodgkin's lymphoma. Doctors know that most Hodgkin's lymphoma occurs when an infection-fighting cell called a B cell develops a mutation in its DNA. The mutation tells the cells to divide rapidly and to continue living when a healthy cell would die. The mutation causes a large number of oversized, abnormal B cells to accumulate in the lymphatic system, where they crowd out healthy cells and cause the signs and symptoms of Hodgkin's lymphoma.

RISK FACTORS

• Your age
• A family history of Lymphoma
• Your sex
• Past Epstein-Barr infection
• A weakened immune system

PREPARING FOR YOUR APPOINTMENT

Make an appointment with your family doctor or a general practitioner if you have any signs or symptoms that worry you. After your diagnosis, your doctor may refer you to a specialist who treats Hodgkin's lymphoma, such as a hematologist, medical oncologist or radiation oncologist. Be prepared with any symptoms you're experiencing, key personal information, medications you're taking, questions for your doctor, and be ready to answer questions about your family history and past infections.

TESTS AND DIAGNOSIS

Tests used to diagnose Hodgkin's lymphoma include physical exams, blood tests, imaging tests like X-rays and CT scans, surgery to remove swollen lymph nodes for testing, and bone marrow biopsy. Staging helps determine prognosis and treatment options.

TREATMENTS AND DRUGS

Treatment options depend on type and stage of disease. Chemotherapy uses drugs to kill Cancer cells; radiation therapy uses high-energy beams; stem cell transplant replaces diseased bone marrow with healthy stem cells.

ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE No alternative medicines treat Hodgkin's lymphoma directly but may help cope with stress and side effects of treatment. Options include acupuncture, aromatherapy, massage, meditation, and relaxation techniques.

COPING AND SUPPORT

Learn about Hodgkin's lymphoma, maintain a strong support system, set reasonable goals, take time for yourself, and stay active to combat stress and fatigue.

QUESTIONS

1. What are the common symptoms of Hodgkin's lymphoma?

Painless swelling of lymph nodes, persistent fatigue, fever and chills, night sweats, unexplained weight loss.

2. What are the risk factors for developing Hodgkin's lymphoma?

Age between 15-30 or older than 55 years old, family history of Lymphoma, male sex.

3. How is Hodgkin's lymphoma diagnosed?

Through physical exams, blood tests, imaging tests like X-rays and CT scans, surgery to remove swollen lymph nodes for testing.

4. What are the treatment options for Hodgkin's lymphoma?

Chemotherapy using drugs to kill Cancer cells; radiation therapy using high-energy beams; stem cell transplant replacing diseased bone marrow with healthy stem cells.

5. Can alternative medicine cure Hodgkin's lymphoma?

No alternative medicines directly treat Hodgkin's lymphoma but may help cope with stress and side effects of treatment.

6. How can patients cope with a diagnosis of Hodgkin's disease?

By learning about the disease, maintaining a strong support system setting reasonable goals, taking time for oneself, and staying active.

7. What are some common side effects of chemotherapy for treating Hodgkin’s disease?

Nausea, hair loss, and serious long-term complications like heart damage, lung damage, fertility problems, and other Cancers such as Leukemia.

8. What does staging mean in relation to Hodgkin’s disease?

Staging helps determine the extent of Cancer spread in the body which guides prognosis and treatment decisions.

9. When should someone see a doctor regarding potential symptoms of Hodgkin’s disease?

If they experience any signs or symptoms that worry them such as unexplained weight loss, persistent fatigue, and painless swelling of lymph nodes.

10. What is the difference between classical Hodgkin’s Lymphoma and Lymphocyte-predominant Hodgkin’s Lymphoma?

Classical HL has Reed-Sternberg cells while Lymphocyte-predominant HL has popcorn-like cells; treatment approaches differ between these types based on their characteristics.

By providing accurate information on Cancer like Hodgkin’s disease in an easy-to-read format, I hope this article helps increase awareness about this condition among readers seeking reliable medical knowledge.