Hodgkin’s Lymphoma
Hodgkin disease starts in lymphatic tissue. Lymphatic tissue includes the lymph nodes and other organs that are part of the body’s immune and blood-forming systems. Lymph nodes are small, bean-shaped organs found in many places throughout the body. Because lymphatic tissue is found in many parts of the body, Hodgkin disease can start almost anywhere. Hodgkin disease occurs in both children and adults.
Risk Factors: There is a higher risk of Hodgkin disease among people who have had "mono" (infectious mononucleosis), caused by the Epstein-Barr virus. The risk appears to be as much as 4 times higher in people who have had this disease.
Some people who have reduced immune system function, for example, those with AIDS and organ transplant patients are also at a higher risk of Hodgkin disease.
Can Hodgkin Disease Be Prevented?
Since we do not know what causes Hodgkin disease, it is not possible at this time to prevent the disease.
Symptoms: Enlarged, non tender lymph node over an inch in size, without any infection.
Fever, drenching night sweats, or weight loss. The fever can come and go over periods of several days or weeks. Itching, tiredness, and decreased appetite are other symptoms that can occur. Coughing or shortness of breath can be caused by the swelling of lymph nodes inside the chest, creating pressure on the windpipe.
Detection: Biopsy is the method used to detect Hodgkin’s Lymphoma. A biopsy involves removing a tissue sample and looking at it under a microscope.
Treatment: The two main methods of treating Hodgkin disease are chemotherapy and radiation therapy.
Chemotherapy
Chemotherapy refers to the use of drugs to kill cancer cells. Usually the drugs are given into a vein or by mouth (as pills).
Several drugs are given at the same time to treat Hodgkin disease. Side effects include hair loss, mouth sores, a greater chance of infection, easy bruising or bleeding, fatigue, loss of appetite, nausea, and vomiting. These side effects are temporary and go away after treatment is finished.
Some of these drugs can affect a person's heart, lungs, growth, and ability to have children. There is also an increased risk of developing a second type of cancer. It's important to discuss these possible side effects with the doctor before treatment begins.
Radiation Therapy
Radiation therapy is the use of high-energy x-rays to destroy cancer cells.
It is usually given as a focused beam of radiation, known as external beam radiation. Radiation therapy is often given after 3 or 4 courses of chemotherapy.
Radiation therapy can produce some serious side effects including damage to nearby healthy tissue. Other problems can include skin changes similar to sunburn, tiredness, upset stomach, and diarrhea.
Radiation therapy can produce some serious side effects including damage to nearby healthy tissue. Other problems can include skin changes similar to sunburn, tiredness, upset stomach, and diarrhea.
Treatment Centers in Georgia:
National Organizations and Web Sites
- Lymphoma Research Foundation
- Georgia Chapter of The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society (click for map) Phone: (678) 279-2001 or (800) 399-7312
- National Cancer Institute
- American Cancer Society
- Oncology Channel
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