Dexter’s Michael C. Hall And Hodgkin’s Lymphoma

On January 13, 2010 it was reported that “Dexter” star Michael C. Hall has been in treatment for Hodgkin’s Lymphoma. Many people have become fans of Hall through his work on the highly common Showtime series where he plays the role of a serial killer who is employed as a blood splatter expert. Michael C. Hall also played David Fisher on the HBO series “Six Feet Under” several years ago. The good news for Hall, his family, and his fans is that the disease is currently in remission but people may be wondering what is Hodgkin Lymphoma?

Hodgkin’s Lymphoma is a type of cancer that begins in the lymphatic system. The lymphatic system includes the lymph nodes, lymph vessels, spleen, tonsils, and the thymus. Lymphatic tissue is also found throughout various areas of the body, which means that the cancer can begin in a variety of areas in the body. An abnormal cell called The Reed-Sternberg cell begins to divide, and the unusual abnormal cells can prevent the body from being able to fight infections as well as form tumors.

Symptoms of the disease include swollen lymph nodes, unexplainable weight loss, persistent fever, fatigue, night sweats, swollen glands after alcohol consumption, and skin that is very itchy. The symptoms usually last for awhile or do not subside. Because most of these symptoms are often associated with other conditions, people should consult a physician for a proper diagnosis.

A enormous deal of progress has been made in developing effective treatment for people diagnosed with Hodgkin’s Lymphoma and the recovery rate is relatively high for this type of cancer. Hodgkin’s Lymphoma can be treated through chemotherapy, radiation therapy, or a combination of the two. People who have a relapse of the disease after it has been in remission will be treated again with radiation and/or chemotherapy or stem cell transplantation.

With early diagnosis and treatment, the average five-year survival rate for people with Hodgkin’s Lymphoma was over 80%. For more statistics and facts for Hodgkin Lymphoma, click here.

Sources:
Dexter’s Michael C. Hall Has Cancer, People Magazine
National Cancer Institute, U.S. National Institutes of Health

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