Hodgkins Disease - Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Treatment

What is Hodgkin's Disease?

Hodgkin's disease is a type of cancer that starts in cells of the immune system called lymphocytes. The two most common types are called Hodgkin's disease with mixed cellularity and Hodgkin's disease with nodular sclerosis.

There are unusual types of Hodgkin's disease, some forms have even been identified as "mixed cellularity" while others have been identified as either "nodular sclerosis" or "lymphocyte-rich."

It is sometimes seen in people who have had mumps. There are rare cases of it being discovered in people without any sign or history of infection.

Who is At Risk of Getting Hodgkin's Disease?

Hodgkin's disease can occur at any age, but the average person with Hodgkin's is in their 40's. Children may also get Hodgkin's disease, but it is mostly rare among younger children. More people get Hodgkin's later in life rather than earlier.

In the United State, white men have a slightly higher risk of getting Hodgkin's disease while women have a higher chance of getting it compared to men worldwide.

This type of cancer is rarely seen in black people and Asians while it occurs more often among American Indians and Eskimos.

What Are The Risk Factors For Hodgkin's Disease?

In general, people with Hodgkin's disease have a family history of cancer, often when they get older. The risk is higher in people with a family history of lymphoma.

In some cases, Hodgkin's disease appears to be hereditary by chance. In most cases, there is no known cause for this form of cancer in the immune system.

People who have had a transplant or had a blood transfusion after an injury in the past are also at slightly increased risk for getting Hodgkin's disease in later life.

People who have been exposed to radiation therapy in their youth may also have a slightly increased risk of getting Hodgkin's disease later on in life.

What Are The Symptoms Of Hodgkin's Disease?

Symptoms may include:

·         Swollen glands (lymph nodes) in the neck and underarm area. The lymph nodes may become painful and swollen.

The head, neck, chest, back, stomach, and groin may also be involved. The glands can also become enlarged or shrunken. This swelling is a sign that cancer is present somewhere in the body.

·         Difficulty swallowing or speaking due to a lumpy throat similar to a cold sore. The person may have difficulty breathing through their mouth as well as the throat area being swollen from being full of fluid from being swollen lymph nodes.

·         Weight loss, tiredness, general weakness, and feeling ill.

People who have had mumps are also at a higher risk for developing Hodgkin's disease. There are rare cases of Hodgkin's disease being discovered in people without any sign or history of infection.

What Are The Complications Of Hodgkin's Disease?

Complications may include malnutrition due to poor appetite, enlarged spleen, and liver, pneumonia, bleeding inside the chest cavity (hemothorax), bone fractures due to weak bones, weight loss due to difficulty eating, and fever.

These complications may worsen if left untreated. Patients may have an increased risk of getting cancer of the lung due to being treated with radiation therapy.

How Is Hodgkin's Disease Diagnosed?

Several tests can be done to diagnose the disease. A biopsy is taken from a lymph node or an area of tissue that contains cancer cells.

The sample is then examined under a microscope to see if it contains cancer cells. The biopsy can also be examined under a special microscope called electron microscopy to see if the cells have any unusual features.

In some cases of Hodgkin's disease, no cancer cells are found by these tests, but the person may have enlarged lymph nodes that appear to have cancer cells inside them either in smaller forms or abnormal forms of chromosome damage. In more advanced cases, the abnormal cells resemble leukemia rather than Hodgkin's disease.

Frequently Asked Questions on Hodgkin’s Disease

What is Hodgkin’s Disease?

Hodgkin is a type of cancer that spreads through the bloodstream. It develops from the immune system cells, the lymphocytes.

If it develops in your body, it will need to be treated right away to prevent serious health problems.

This treatment is only available at one of the most qualified cancer institutes in India, Indraprastha Apollo Hospitals, New Delhi.

How Is Hodgkin's Disease Treated?

Hodgkin's disease can be treated most effectively when diagnosed early with surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, or a combination of these two.

Are There Cures For Hodgkin's Disease?

Although there are many cases in which cancer has been completely removed with surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, or a combination, most cases are not curable.