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Hodgkins Lymphoma
Lymphoma is a cancer of the lymphatic system, a network of thin tubular vessels, accompanied by lymph nodes, that branches out to almost all parts of the body to fight infection and disease. Hodgkins is one of two main types of lymphoma, with non-Hodgkins being the other.
- Hodgkins lymphoma (Hodgkins disease) commonly affects lymph nodes in the neck or in the area between the lungs behind the breastbone. It can also begin in groups of lymph nodes under the arms, in the abdomen or in the groin.
- It's named after the British doctor Thomas Hodgkin who first described the disease in 1832.
- Hodgkins lymphoma is very treatable and often curable. Eighty-five percent of patients with Hodgkins live longer than five years after diagnosis.
Risk Factors for Hodgkins Lymphoma
The cause of Hodgkins lymphoma is unknown. However, doctors believe immune system problems as well as age may increase a person's chance of developing this disease.
- Hodgkins lymphoma has two peak time frames: between the ages of 15 and 40 and after the age of 55. However, the disease can affect anyone.
- Males are typically more at risk of developing Hodgkins lymphoma.
- Those who have been infected with the Epstein-Barr virus are more likely to develop Hodgkins lymphoma.
- Having a parent or sibling with Hodgkins lymphoma also increases risk of the disease.
Signs and Symptoms of Hodgkins Lymphoma
The signs and symptoms of lymphoma are not specific and may also be associated with other, noncancerous conditions. Talk to your doctor if you have any of these problems.
- Swollen lymph nodes in the neck, underarm or groin.
- Unexplained fevers.
- Drenching night sweats.
- Unexplained weight loss.
- Constant fatigue.
- Skin rash or itchy skin.
Unexplained fevers, night sweats and weight loss are known as “B” symptoms. Ask your doctor about their significance in your case.
Diagnosing Hodgkins Lymphoma
To see if you have Hodgkins lymphoma, your doctor will first examine you to assess your overall health and look for anything unusual. He or she may also perform some or all of the following tests.
- The doctor will order blood tests to evaluate a variety of factors, including the number of blood cells in your blood and how well your liver and kidneys are working.
- During a lymph node biopsy, your doctor will perform surgery to take out a lymph node. It will then be examined under a microscope to look for cancer.
- Several imaging tests will be performed to see if lymphoma has spread to other organs. These tests may include CT, PET or gallium scans.
Treatment Options for Hodgkins Lymphoma
Treatment options depend on the type of lymphoma, its stage and your overall health. Treatment may include chemotherapy or radiation therapy, either alone or in combination. It may help to talk to several cancer specialists before deciding on the best course of treatment for you, your cancer and your lifestyle
- A radiation oncologist is a doctor who specializes in destroying cancer cells with high energy X-rays or other types of radiation.
- A medical oncologist is a doctor who is an expert at prescribing special drugs (chemotherapy) to treat cancer. Some medical oncologists are also hematologists, meaning they have experience treating blood problems.
Understanding Radiation Therapy
Radiation therapy, also called radiotherapy, is the careful use of radiation to safely and effectively kill cancer cells while avoiding nearby healthy tissue.
- Radiation oncologists use radiation therapy to cure cancer, to control cancer growth or to relieve symptoms, such as pain.
- Radiation therapy works within cancer cells by damaging their ability to multiply. When these cells are destroyed by the radiation, the body naturally eliminates them.
- Healthy tissues can also be affected by radiation, but they are usually able to repair themselves in a way cancer cells cannot.
External Beam Radiation Therapy
External beam radiation therapy is a series of outpatient treatments to accurately deliver radiation to the cancer cells. Radiation therapy has been proven to be very successful at treating and curing Hodgkins lymphoma.
- Radiation oncologists deliver external beam radiation therapy to the lymphoma from a machine called a linear accelerator.
- Each treatment is painless and is similar to getting an X-ray. Treatments last less than 15 minutes each and are administered most days of the week for a series of weeks.
Potential Side Effects
The side effects you may experience will depend on the part of the body being treated, the dose of radiation given and if you also receive chemotherapy. Ask your doctor before treatment begins about possible side effects, and how best to manage them.
- You may experience very few or no side effects and can continue your normal routine during treatment.
- You may experience mild skin irritation, hair loss, sore throat, upset stomach, loose bowel movements, nausea and/or fatigue. Most side effects will go away after treatment ends.
- Tell your doctor or nurse if you experience any discomfort. They may be able to prescribe medication or change your diet to help.
Hodgkins lymphoma is often curable, allowing many people with the disease to live long lives after treatment. In some very rare cases, the treatments that cured the cancer may lead to significant after effects. Talk to your doctor about the risks of your treatment.
Above information presented in collaboration with
American Society for Therapeutic Radiology And Oncology
(ASTRO).
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