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Hodgkin’s Lymphoma- What Is It?

In very simple terms, Hodgkin’s lymphoma, also known as Hodgkin’s disease, is a form of cancer. Yes, this type of cancer typically occurs in your blood and affects the lymphatic system.

It means that the lymphocytes will be affected. It usually occurs when the genes inside B lymphocyte cells mutate.

As per research studies, the common areas where it first begins are around the lymph nodes in your neck or the chest cavity.

Sometimes it also occurs around other regions, such as the groin, belly, or pelvis region, and occurs in clusters or groups.

Types

Hodgkin’s disease has four main types, and let us gives you a brief idea about each one-

  • Nodular Sclerosis Hodgkin’s Lymphoma

It is the more common type of the disorder-affecting adults around the central chest area.

  • Mixed Cellular Hodgkin’s Lymphoma

This occurs mostly in older people above their 60s and affects the belly area.

  • Lymphocyte-Rich Hodgkin’s Lymphoma

This is a rare issue affecting 6% of people, with more males.

  • Deleted Lymphocyte Hodgkin’s Disease

It is the rarest of all the four types, affecting only about 1 to 2% of cases, and is more common in people above 60, likely having HIV or AIDS.

Symptoms

As per studies, most patients do not have any form of pain even when the disease has started affecting the lymphatic system in your body. The most common way to get an idea of this is when lymph nodes typically swell up around the neck, groin, or underarms.

Other Signs

  • Fatigue
  • A fever that lasts a long time keeps occurring even after using medicines.
  • Severe loss of weight, sometimes 10 to 15% of your total body weight in under 6 months
  • Itchy skin after taking a bath or drinking alcohol.
  • Belly pain and swelling in the abdominal area.
  • Chest pain, which is a sign of lymph nodes around your lungs being affected.
  • Shortness of breath, which is another indication of cancer occurring in the chest.

Cause

As we have told you above, the disease onsets when the B cells start to change their DNA. This issue can be genetic, and it is possible that children could be born with this situation already.

In the mutation process, the cell size gets abnormally bigger and is known as Reed-Sternberg cells, which make cytokines. It causes the lymph nodes to swell.

Without the right cure, it can spread from the lymph nodes to other areas such as the thymus and the spleen. It can also transfer from one area to another using the lymph tissues.

It is rare that the cancer will involve other organs such as the lungs, liver, or bone marrow.

Risk Factors

  • Age is a certain risk factor, with certain types of Hodgkin’s lymphoma being more common in people older than 65 years.
  • Sex, as some forms of Hodgkin’s disease are more common in males only.
  • Family history can be a genetically linked issue.
  • After an organ transplant and on taking immunosuppressants
  • Having other disorders like HIV, AIDS

Diagnosis

The first aim of the doctors is to diagnose the lymph nodes and tissues and to observe for any signs of swelling and inflammation.

They may ask the patient about other common signs, like severe weight loss or fever that usually lasts for weeks.

However, these are only the more generic symptoms, as doctors will want to conduct some diagnostic tests to confirm Hodgkin’s disease.

Therefore, here is a list of the usual diagnostic tests that the doctors will recommend right away-

Blood Tests Like

  • Complete blood count
  • Blood chemistry test
  • ESR
  • LDH
  • Test for viruses like HIV, hepatitis C, and B

Imaging Tests Like-

  • Chest X-ray
  • CT scan
  • Pulmonary function test
  • PET scan
  • MRI
  • Ultrasound

Other than this, doctors can also recommend you for a biopsy.

Treatment For Hodgkin’s Disease

There are different approaches that the doctors may take to cure Hodgkin’s disease. It depends on-

  • The severity of the issue
  • Its stage of progression
  • Your age
  • Health conditions
  • Other health disorders
  • Types of medicines already in use
  • Suitability for treatment

Sometimes, the doctors may take a comprehensive approach where they will recommend the use of two simultaneous remedies.

Here is a look at some of the more common methods to get rid of Hodgkin’s disease-

  • Chemotherapy

This is a type of treatment to stop the rapid growth of the cancer through the lymph nodes. The doctors will suitably adjust the dose of chemotherapy and the types of chemicals.

  • Radiation

It is often used in the early stages of the disorder. However, it can be combined with chemo for some patients as well. As you know, it involves the use of high-beam laser rays directly on the affected lymph regions to kill the cancerous tissues and cells.

  • Immunotherapy

This is a simple type of treatment given to the immune system to help it recognize the cancer cells and start destroying them.

  • Targeted Therapy

This is a type of remedy where the doctors use medicines and substances to target and single out the cancer cells and start killing them. It does not destroy the entire tissue but only targets the cancerous cells and kills them. Here, the doctors will find out suitable antibodies and attach them to a chemo drug.

  • Chemo With Stem Cell Transplant

This is the most common way of remedy for relapsed cases. It involves the stem cell transplant process.

Side Effects Of Remedies For Hodgkin’s Disease

You see, any type of cancerous treatment has some side effects, and Hodgkin’s disease is no exception.

Chemo and radiation typically make you lose hair from all parts of the body, such as the underarms, chest, and scalp.

You may also notice a typical change in your skin color and texture, where your skin appears drier than usual with a darker tone and color.

Other side effects are-

  • Diarrhea
  • Weight loss
  • Fatigue
  • Shortness of breath
  • Loss of appetite
  • Diarrhea

Survival Chances With Hodgkin’s Disease

AS per studies from the FDA and other health bodies, Hodgkin’s disease is a type of cancer with a higher survival rate than other forms of cancer. Studies show a more than 90% survival rate even after 5 years of undergoing treatment and after.