An Overview Of Hodgkin’s Lymphoma
Hodgkin’s lymphoma, also known as Hodgkin’s disease, is a type of cancer involving the lymphatic system and the white blood cells. We all know that our immune system fights against contagious diseases, but our lymphatic system is a large part of the immune system.
Lymphatic vessels transmit a colorless watery lymph fluid, which transmits infection fighting white blood cells (WBC) called lymphocytes. The lymphatic system consists of lymph vessels and lymph nodes; the lymphatic system a transport system that functions with the circulatory system. The lymph system is sort of like a metabolic trash collector for the vascular system.
The lymph vessels carry the lymph fluid to the lymph nodes, where the fluid is filtered and the infectious agents are destroyed by the WBCs. Lymph node clusters are found in the abdomen, groin, neck, underarms and other locations. Other immune system components include the thymus, tonsils, spleen and bone marrow. In the condition of Hodgkin’s lymphoma, lymphocytes (B cells) rise abnormally inside lymph nodes and will spread the cancer throughout the lymphatic system into many organs of the body.
What causes Hodgkin’s lymphoma?
Hodgkin’s lymphoma is an unusual type of cancer. This type of cancer is one of the most prevalent types in people under the age of 35. Hodgkin’s lymphoma is rarely found in people over the age of 55. The cause of Hodgkin’s lymphoma is not known; however, a theory is that the disease may be linked with obvious types of viruses.
What are the symptoms of Hodgkin’s lymphoma?
Symptoms of Hodgkin’s lymphoma differ from one person to another. Some of the common symptoms are:
Swelling of the lymph nodes of the armpit, neck and groin
Fatigue
Persistent fever
Unexplained weight loss
Sweating
Itching of the skin
These symptoms may be present in other conditions, so it is important to see your physician if your symptoms don’t go away in a week or two. If swelling of the lymph nodes and the other symptoms continue for more than 6 weeks the doctor may suspect Hodgkin’s lymphoma.
How is Hodgkin’s lymphoma diagnosed?
In the beginning, when you first notice symptoms, those symptoms may be similar to a flu virus; therefore, it is important to go back to your doctor if you don’t bag better in a few days after being treated. If you don’t return to your doctor to report that you aren’t feeling better, your doctor won’t know to peruse deeper.
Hodgkin’s disease can be best treated if diagnosed early. You should visit your doctor immediately if you are having one or more of the above symptoms. Your doctor will check your lymph nodes on your neck and other areas for swelling and tenderness. A biopsy should be taken from a lymph node as well as bone marrow if Hodgkin’s lymphoma is suspected. In order to stage Hodgkin’s lymphoma, a number of scans will be done including Gallium scans, PET scans and CT scans.
Stage 1 involves only one lymph node.
Stage 2 involves two lymph nodes, and possibly parts of nearby organs.
Stage 3 involves lymph nodes located above and below the diaphragm.
Stage 4 involves the lymph nodes and the organ systems of the body. Stage 4 is the most advanced type of Hodgkin’s lymphoma.
What are the treatment options for Hodgkin’s lymphoma?
With early diagnosis, Hodgkin’s disease is definitely curable with radiation therapy, chemotherapy or a combination of both treatments. The cure depends on different factors such as the individual’s age and sex, and the stage of the lymphoma.
Sources:
http://www.healthscout.com/ency/68/192/main.html
http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/hodgkins-disease/DS00186/DSECTION=tests-and-diagnosis
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