Hodgkin lymphoma which was previously known as Hodgkin's disease is a cancer originating from white blood cells called lymphocytes. Lymphoma is characterized by the orderly spread of disease from one lymph node group to another and by the development of systemic symptoms with advanced disease.
It is less common type of cancer of lymphatic system. The survival rate of people with Hodgkin lymphoma has increased with the advancement in technology. It may be treated with radiation therapy, chemotherapy, or hematopoietic stem cell transplantation, with the choice of treatment depending on the age and sex of the patient and the stage, bulk, and histological subtype of the disease.
Symptoms:
Common symptoms of Hodgkin lymphoma include:
Painless swelling of lymph nodes in your neck, armpits or groin
Persistent fatigue
Fever and chills
Night sweats
Unexplained weight loss — as much as 10 percent or more of your body weight
Coughing, trouble breathing or chest pain
Loss of appetite
Itching
Increased sensitivity to the effects of alcohol or pain in your lymph nodes after drinking alcohol
Causes:
The exact cause of Hodgkin’s lymphoma is still not known. It is known that it occurs when an infection-fighting cell called a B cell develops a mutation in its DNA. The cells divide rapidly and continue living when healthy cells die. The mutation causes a large number of oversized, abnormal B cells to accumulate in the lymphatic system, where they crowd out healthy cells and cause the signs and symptoms of Hodgkin's lymphoma.
There are different types of Hodgkin lymphoma. The type helps to determine the treatment options.
Classical Hodgkin's lymphoma
Subtypes of classical Hodgkin's lymphoma include:
Nodular sclerosis Hodgkin's lymphoma
Mixed cellularity Hodgkin's lymphoma
Lymphocyte-depleted Hodgkin's lymphoma
Lymphocyte-rich classical Hodgkin's lymphoma
Lymphocyte-predominant Hodgkin's lymphoma
Risk factors:
Factors which are likely to develop Hodgkin lymphoma
Hodgkin's lymphoma is mostly diagnosed in people between the ages of 15 and 35, as well as those older than 55.
A family history of lymphoma can increase the risk of developing Hodgkin's lymphoma.
Males are slightly more likely to develop Hodgkin's lymphoma.
Past Epstein-Barr infection can make you more likely to develop Hodgkin's lymphoma than are people who haven't had Epstein-Barr infections.
A weakened immune system increases the risk of Hodgkin's lymphoma.
Diagnosis:
The doctor diagnoses Hodgkin lymphoma by conducting a physical exam. He may checks for swollen lymph nodes, including the neck, underarm and groin, as well as a swollen spleen or liver. He may examine the symptoms and may order different tests to verify the diagnosis.
Tests:
The following tests may be ordered by the specialist to confirm the diagnosis:
Blood tests
X-rays
Computerized tomography (CT scan)
Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)
Positron emission tomography (PET)
Surgery to remove a swollen lymph node
A procedure to collect bone marrow for testing
After the extent of Hodgkin lymphoma is determined, the doctor will assign a stage to the cancer. The stage helps determine the prognosis and the treatment options. Stages increases with the severity of the disease.
It includes:
Stage I
Stage II
Stage III
Stage IV
Treatments:
The appropriate treatment option is determined depending on the type and stage of disease, the overall health and the preferences of the patient. The goal of treatment is to destroy as many cancer cells as possible and bring the disease into remission. The treatment option may include:
Chemotherapy
Radiation
Stem cell transplant
Drugs:
List of drugs which are prescribed for the treatment and controlling the after effects of the treatment:
cyclophosphamide
Doxorubicin
chlorambucil
brentuximab
methotrexate
etoposide
bleomycin
Alternatives:
There are no alternatives that can treat Hodgkin lymphoma but alternative therapies are available to provide relief from stress and side effects of the disease and the treatment. These are:
Acupuncture
Yoga
Aromatherapy
Massage
Meditation
Relaxation techniques
Complications:
Hodgkin lymphoma can result in various complications. Chemotherapy can often cure many types of high-grade lymphoma. However, if the cancer does not respond to chemotherapy drugs, the disease can cause rapid death. The other complications may include:
Autoimmune hemolytic anemia
Infection
Side effects of chemotherapy drugs
Preventions:
There is no way to prevent lymphoma of any type. One can manage the symptoms by early detection and treatment. The side effects of the treatment may be controlled by protecting yourself from infections.
One can take up support groups to mentally deal with the disease. They make you learn enough about your cancer to make decisions about your care. They also help in building a strong support system and connect with other cancer survivors.
For More Information Please Visit : - Ear Specialist in North Delhi, Ear Specialist in South Delhi, Ear Specialist in West Delhi
No comments:
Post a Comment