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Alternative names Return to top
Lymphoma - Hodgkin's; Hodgkin's disease; Cancer - Hodgkin's lymphomaDefinition Return to top
Hodgkin's lymphoma is a malignancy (cancer) of lymph tissue found in the lymph nodes, spleen, liver, and bone marrow.Causes, incidence, and risk factors Return to top
The first sign of this cancer is often an enlarged lymph node which appears without a known cause. The disease can spread to adjacent lymph nodes and later may spread outside the lymph nodes to the lungs, liver, or bone marrow.
The cause is not known. The incidence is 2 in 10,000 people. Hodgkin's lymphoma is most common among people 15 to 35 and 50 to 70 years old.
Symptoms Return to top
Signs and tests Return to top
The disease may be diagnosed after:Treatment Return to top
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 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 Return to top
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) Return to top
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 Return to top
Calling your health care provider Return to top
Call your health care provider if you have symptoms suggestive of Hodgkin's lymphoma.
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Page last updated: 28 October 2004 |