Hodgkin's Disease

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 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.

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. Symptoms may include:

• 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. Always consult your physician for a diagnosis.

What are the risk factors for Hodgkin's disease?

Suggested risk factors for Hodgkin's disease include the following:

• infection with infectious mononucleosis
• age
  Hodgkin's disease occurs most often in people between ages 15 and 34, and in people over the age of 55.
• gender
  Hodgkin's disease is more common in men than in women.
• family history
  Brothers and sisters of those with Hodgkin's disease have a higher-than-average chance of developing this disease.
• viruses
  Epstein-Barr virus may be associated with an increased risk of Hodgkin's disease.
• acquired immune deficiency 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 the following:

• additional blood tests
  
  
• x-rays of the chest, bones, liver, and spleen - a diagnostic test which uses invisible electromagnetic energy beams to produce images of internal tissues, bones, and organs onto film.
• lymph node biopsy - a procedure performed to remove tissue or cells from the body for examination under a microscope.

Treatment for Hodgkin's disease:

Specific treatment for Hodgkin's disease will be determined by your physician based on:

• your age, 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