Blood Diseases

Blood Disorders

Hodgkin's Disease

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Greenebaum Cancer Center: Hodgkin's disease
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What is the lymphatic system?

The lymphatic system is part of the immune system, whose function is to fight disease and infections.

The lymphatic system includes:

lymph - fluid in which the lymphocyte cells are suspended

lymph vessels - thin tubes that carry lymph fluid throughout the body

lymphocytes - cells that fight infection and disease

lymph nodes - bean-shaped organs, found in the underarm, groin, neck, and abdomen, that act as filters for the lymph fluid as it passes through them

What is Hodgkin's disease?

Hodgkin's disease is a type of lymphoma, a cancer in the lymphatic system. It is a rare disease, accounting for less than 1 percent of all cases of cancer in the US, and occurs most often in people between the ages of 15 and 34, and in people over age 55.

Hodgkin's disease causes the cells in the lymphatic system to abnormally reproduce, eventually making the body less able to fight infection. Hodgkin's disease cells can also spread to other organs.

What are the symptoms of Hodgkin's disease?

The following are the most common symptoms of Hodgkin's disease, however, each individual may experience symptoms differently:

painless swelling of lymph nodes in neck, underarm, and groin
fever
night sweats
fatigue
weight loss
itching of the skin

The symptoms of Hodgkin's disease may resemble other blood disorders or medical problems, such as influenza or other infections. Consult your physician for a diagnosis.

What are the risk factors for Hodgkin's disease?

Suggested risk factors include:

past infection with infectious mononucleosis
history of infectious mononucleosis (caused by an infection with the Epstein-Barr virus)
acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS)

How is Hodgkin's disease diagnosed?

In addition to a complete medical history and physical examination, diagnostic procedures for Hodgkin's disease may include:

additional blood tests
x-rays of the chest, bones, liver, and spleen
biopsy of the lymph nodes

Treatment for Hodgkin's disease:
Specific treatment for Hodgkin's disease will be determined by your physician(s) based on:

your overall health and medical history
extent of the disease
your tolerance for specific medications, procedures, or therapies
expectations for the course of the disease
your opinion or preference

Treatment may include:

radiation therapy
chemotherapy

This page was last updated on: January 29, 2008.

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