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Hodgkin’s lymphoma

Alternative Names:

Lymphoma - Hodgkin's; Hodgkin's disease; Cancer - Hodgkin's lymphoma

Treatment:

A staging evaluation is necessary to determine the treatment plan.

Treatment varies with the stage of the disease. Stages I and II (limited disease) can be treated with localized radiation therapy , with chemotherapy or with a combination of both. Stages III and IV (extensive disease) are treated with chemotherapy  alone or a combination of radiation therapy and chemotherapy. The best treatment for an individual patient depends on many factors, and should be discussed in detail with a doctor who has experience treating this disease.

Chemotherapy can cause low blood cell counts, which can lead to an increased risk of bleeding, infection, and anemia. To minimize bleeding, apply ice and pressure to any external bleeding. A soft toothbrush and electric razor should be used for personal hygiene.

Infection should always be taken seriously during cancer treatment, so contact your doctor immediately if fever or other signs of infection develop. Planning daily activities with scheduled rest periods may help prevent fatigue associated with anemia .

Support Groups:

The stress of illness can often be eased by joining a support group of people sharing common experiences and problems. See cancer - support group .

Expectations (prognosis):

With appropriate treatment, more than 80% of people with stage I or II Hodgkin's survive for at least 10 years. With widespread disease, the treatment is more intense and the 5-year survival rate is about 60%.

Complications:

Calling your health care provider:

Call your health care provider if you have symptoms suggestive of Hodgkin's lymphoma.

Call your health care provider if you are being treated for Hodgkin's lymphoma and experience adverse effects of radiation and chemotherapy, including nausea, loss of appetite, vomiting, diarrhea, fever, or bleeding.

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