What Is Hodgkin's Lymphoma?
Lymphoma is a type of cancer that develops in the lymph system, which is part of the body's immune system. Lymphomas are divided into two general types: Hodgkin's lymphoma (also known as
Hodgkin's disease) and non-Hodgkin's lymphoma.
Because lymph tissue is found throughout the body, Hodgkin's lymphoma can begin in almost any part of the body and spread to almost any tissue or organ in the body.
This disease can occur in both adults and children; however, treatment for Hodgkin's lymphoma in adults may be different from treatment for children. It may also occur in people who have acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (
AIDS); these people require special treatment.
There are five different types of Hodgkin's lymphoma. These types are based on the way they look under a microscope. The five types include:
- Nodular sclerosing Hodgkin's lymphoma
- Mixed cellularity Hodgkin's lymphoma
- Lymphocyte depletion Hodgkin's lymphoma
- Lymphocyte-rich classical Hodgkin's lymphoma
- Nodular lymphocyte-predominant Hodgkin's lymphoma.
Risk Factors for Hodgkin's Lymphoma
At this point,
Hodgkin's research scientists are not sure of the cause or causes of Hodgkin's lymphoma. However, they do know of certain factors that increase a person's chances for developing it. These risk factors in adults include:
- Being in young or late adulthood
- Being male
- Being infected with the Epstein-Barr virus (EBV)
- Having a first-degree relative (parent, brother, or sister) with the disease.
Possible symptoms of Hodgkin's lymphoma include:
- Swollen lymph nodes
- Fever
- Night sweats
- Weight loss.
These and other symptoms may be caused by adult Hodgkin's lymphoma. However, other conditions may also cause the same symptoms. See a doctor if any of the following problems do not go away in two weeks:
- Painless, swollen lymph nodes in the neck, underarm, or groin
- Unexplained fevers
- Drenching night sweats
- Unexplained weight loss
- Itchy skin
- Tiredness or fatigue.
In order to make a Hodgkin's lymphoma diagnosis, the doctor will typically ask a number of questions and perform a physical exam, looking for signs and symptoms of the disease. He or she may also recommend certain imaging or blood tests. However, when making a diagnosis, only a biopsy can tell a doctor for sure whether a person has the disease.
Stages of Hodgkin's Lymphoma
After the doctor makes a Hodgkin's lymphoma diagnosis, he or she needs to determine the stage, or extent, of the cancer in order to plan treatment. The stages range from stage I through stage IV, and are further categorized based on where the cancer is found, where it has spread, and what symptoms a person has.
Stages of Hodgkin's lymphoma are determined through tests, such as a biopsy, chest x-ray, or CT scan.
Treatment for Hodgkin's Lymphoma
Hodgkin's lymphoma treatment options will depend on several things, such as the type of Hodgkin's involved, how fast it is spreading, and whether other health issues are present. This disease is most often treated with chemotherapy, radiation therapy, or both. Before beginning treatment, you may want to get a second opinion.
What Is the Prognosis?
- The person's symptoms
- The stage of the cancer
- The type of Hodgkin's lymphoma
- Blood test results
- The person's age, gender, and general health
- Whether the cancer is recurrent or progressive.
Adult Hodgkin's lymphoma can usually be cured if found and treated early. In fact, 70 percent of people with the disease are cured with treatment.
