Hodgkin’s lymphoma

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Encyclopedia -> Disease -> H -> Hodgkin’s lymphoma

Hodgkin’s lymphoma

Alternate Names: Lymphoma - Hodgkin's; Hodgkin's disease; Cancer - Hodgkin's lymphoma

Causes and Risks:

The presence of the disease is suspected when an enlarged lymph node appears without a known cause. The disease spreads to adjacent lymph nodes, and late in the disease may be spread by blood.

Characteristic Reed-Sternberg cells are seen by a microscopic study of the cells (histology). The cause of the disease and the risk factors are unknown. The incidence is 2 out of 10,000 people, and peaks in those 15 to 35 and 50 to 70 years old.

Symptoms:

Painless swelling of the lymph nodes in the neck, armpits, or groin (glands, swollen)
Fatigue
Fever and chills
Night sweats
Weight loss
Loss of appetite
Generalized itching

Additional symptoms that may be associated with this disease:

Signs and Tests: The disease may be diagnosed after:

A lymph node biopsy
A bone marrow biopsy
A biopsy of suspected tissue
Detection of Reed-Sternberg cells by biopsy

A staging evaluation (tumor staging) to determine extent of disease includes:

A physical examination
CT scans of the chest, abdomen and pelvis
A bone marrow biopsy
Blood chemistry tests
A PET scan (a nuclear medicine test that looks for tumor cells throughout the body)
A staging laparotomy including liver biopsy and/or splenectomy

This disease may also alter the results of the following tests:

Treatment: A staging evaluation is necessary to determine the treatment plan.

Stage I indicates one lymph node is involved.
Stage II indicates involvement of 2 lymph nodes on the same side of the diaphragm.
Stage III indicates lymph node involvement on both sides of the diaphragm.
Stage IV involves spread disease with bone marrow or liver involvement.

Treatment varies with the stage of the disease. Stages I and II (limited disease) are treated with localized radiation therapy. Stages III and IV (extensive disease) are treated with chemotherapy.

To minimize bleeding, apply ice and pressure to any external bleeding. A soft toothbrush and electric razor should be used for personal hygiene.

An increased amount of carbohydrates and protein in diet may help reduce the side effects associated with chemotherapy. Planning daily activities with scheduled rest periods is helpful to prevent fatigue associated with anemia.

Support Groups: The stress of illness can often be helped by joining a support group where members share common experiences and problems. See cancer - support group.

Prognosis: After treatment, 70 to 80% of the people with stage I or II Hodgkin’s survive for at least 10 years. With widespread disease, the 5-year survival rate is 20 to 50%.

Complications:

Possible acute non-lymphocytic leukemia (ANLL) as a result of treatment
Possible Non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma
Liver failure
Adverse effects of radiation and chemotherapy

Call for an appointment with your health care provider if you have symptoms of Hodgkin’s lymphoma.

Call your health care provider if you are being treated for Hodgkin’s lymphoma and experience adverse effects of radiation and chemotherapy, including nausea, loss of appetite, vomiting, diarrhea, fever, or bleeding.

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