Hodgkin's Disease
What
is the lymphatic system?
The lymphatic system is part of the immune system, whose
function is to fight disease and infections.
The lymphatic system
includes:
-
lymph - fluid in which the lymphocyte cells are suspended
-
lymph vessels - thin tubes that carry lymph fluid throughout
the body
-
lymphocytes - cells that fight infection and disease
-
lymph nodes - bean-shaped organs, found in the underarm,
groin, neck, and abdomen, that act as filters for the lymph
fluid as it passes through them
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What is Hodgkin's
disease?
Hodgkin's
disease is a type of lymphoma, a cancer in the lymphatic system. It
is a rare disease, accounting for less than 1 percent of all cases
of cancer in the US, and occurs most often in people between the
ages of 15 and 34, and in people over age 55.
Hodgkin's disease causes
the cells in the
lymphatic system to abnormally reproduce, eventually making the body
less able to fight infection. Hodgkin's disease cells can also
spread to other organs.
What are the symptoms of
Hodgkin's
disease?
The following are the most common symptoms of Hodgkin's disease,
however, each individual may experience symptoms differently:
- painless
swelling of lymph nodes in neck, underarm, and groin
- fever
- night
sweats
- fatigue
- weight
loss
- itching
of the skin
The symptoms of
Hodgkin's disease
may resemble other blood
disorders or medical problems, such as influenza or other
infections. Consult your physician for a diagnosis.
What are the risk factors
for Hodgkin's disease?
Suggested risk
factors include:
- past
infection with infectious mononucleosis
- history
of infectious mononucleosis (caused by an infection with the
Epstein-Barr virus)
- acquired
immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS)
How is Hodgkin's disease
diagnosed?
In addition to a
complete medical history and physical examination, diagnostic
procedures for Hodgkin's disease may include:
-
additional blood tests
- x-rays
of the chest, bones, liver, and spleen
- biopsy
of the lymph nodes
Treatment for Hodgkin's
disease:
Specific
treatment for Hodgkin's disease will be determined by your
physician(s) based on:
- your
overall health and medical history
- extent
of the disease
- your
tolerance for specific medications, procedures, or therapies
-
expectations for the course of the disease
- your
opinion or preference
Treatment may include:
-
radiation therapy
-
chemotherapy
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