Hodgkin's disease is a type of cancer that develops in the lymphatic system. This eMedTV article offers an overview of Hodgkin's disease, including information about its symptoms as well as treatment options for the cancer.
The exact cause of Hodgkin's disease is not yet known. However, as explained in this eMedTV segment, risk factors for the cancer include being male, having a family history of Hodgkin's disease, and being infected with the Epstein-Barr virus.
Symptoms of Hodgkin's disease may include swollen lymph nodes, recurrent fevers, and weight loss. This eMedTV article discusses these and other symptoms of Hodgkin's disease, which may also include fatigue, night sweats, and itchy skin.
Diagnosing Hodgkin's disease may involve blood and imaging tests; however, as explained in this eMedTV resource, a biopsy is necessary to definitively diagnose Hodgkin's disease. This article also discusses tests used in staging the disease.
Stages of Hodgkin's lymphoma are used to describe the extent of the cancer. This eMedTV segment describes stages I through IV of Hodgkin's lymphoma and discusses tests and procedures used in the staging process, such as CT scans and biopsies.
In cases of Hodgkin's disease, treatment most commonly involves chemotherapy, radiation therapy, or both. This eMedTV article discusses treatment of Hodgkin's disease, including information about second opinions, side effects, and follow-up care.
One of the factors affecting treatment for Hodgkin's disease is the stage, or extent, of the cancer. This eMedTV Web page breaks down options for Hodgkin's treatment by stage of the cancer and provides links to additional information.
As a treatment option for Hodgkin's, chemotherapy uses drugs to kill the cancer. This eMedTV Web page explains how chemotherapy is used to treat Hodgkin's disease and discusses side effects associated with the treatment.
Radiation therapy for Hodgkin's disease uses high-energy x-rays or other radiation to kill cancer cells. This eMedTV resource describes ways in which radiation therapy is administered for Hodgkin's disease and potential side effects of the treatment.
For people who have had the disease, follow-up care for Hodgkin's disease is important. As this eMedTV resource explains, regular follow-up examinations can help detect new or recurrent cancer as soon as possible.
A Hodgkin's lymphoma prognosis is a prediction as to course and outcome of the disease. This eMedTV article describes factors that can affect a prognosis for a person with Hodgkin's lymphoma and provides five-year survival rates for the cancer.
Hodgkin's research trials now under way include studies of stem cell transplants and new chemotherapy drugs. This eMedTV Web page discusses current areas of focus for research on Hodgkin's disease.
For some people with Hodgkin's, questions for the doctor may be difficult to remember. This eMedTV segment contains lists of questions concerning Hodgkin's disease and its treatment that people may wish to consider asking their doctor.
Hodgkin's lymphoma is an uncommon form of cancer that begins in the lymphatic system. This eMedTV Web page provides an introduction to Hodgkin's lymphoma, including a discussion of its symptoms and information about its diagnosis and treatment.
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