Hodgkin's Disease
Description
A cancer of lymph tissue (lymph nodes, spleen and thymus). The abnormally growing cells can leave the lymphatic system and involve the other organs of the body. The cancer can impair one's ability to fight infection. This disorder is less common than non-Hodgkin's lymphoma, or simply lymphoma.
Symptoms
Fatigue, fever and chills, generalized itching, loss of appetite, night sweats, weight loss. Painless lymph node swelling in the neck, armpits and/or groin.
Tests
A history and physical exam will be performed. The diagnosis is made by identifying the abnormal lymphoma cells in a lymph node biopsy, bone marrow biopsy, and/or biopsy of other abnormal growths. Other tests such as CT scans, blood tests and PET scans may be done to determine the extent of the disease.
- CBC
- Chem 12
- UA
- X-Ray
- CT Scan
- MRI
- PET scan
Treatment
Therapy depends on the extent of disease and requires a staging of the lymphoma. Staging is necessary to map out a treatment plan. Stage I and II disease involves 1-2 lymph nodes on the same side of the diaphragm. Stage 3 is the presence of affected lymph nodes on both sides of the diaphragm, and Stage 4 involves other body organs such as the lungs or liver. Stages I and II are treated with localized radiation therapy alone , with chemotherapy alone, or both radiation and chemotherapy. Stages III and IV are treated with chemotherapy alone or both radiation therapy and chemotherapy. The patient's pre-existing health status is also considered when determining a treatment plan.
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