Condition Basics What is Hodgkin lymphoma? Hodgkin lymphoma is a cancer that begins in part of the immune system (the lymph system (Figure 1) ). White blood cells called lymphocytes can become abnormal or increase in number and grow without control. They may form lumps of tissue called tumours, usually in the lymph nodes of the neck, armpits, or chest.
Like other cancers, Hodgkin can spread (metastasize) to other parts of the body. To find out how severe your cancer is, your doctor will classify it by type and stage
Hodgkin is a very curable cancer compared to other cancers. But treatment success depends on your gender, the type of Hodgkin you have, its stage, and your age when you are diagnosed.
What causes it? Experts don't know what causes Hodgkin lymphoma. But they do know that gene changes (mutations) occur in white blood cells called lymphocytes. These gene changes lead to cancer that affects the immune system and keeps it from working as it should.
Some of the gene changes in Hodgkin lymphoma may be triggered by an abnormal reaction to an infection.
What are the symptoms? Symptoms of Hodgkin lymphoma include swollen lymph nodes, a fever, weight loss, and night sweats.
How is it diagnosed? Your doctor will ask you about your and your family's medical history and will do a physical exam. You may also get:
Lab tests, including a complete blood count, to check the number of white and red blood cells. A biopsy. The doctor may remove part or all of a lymph node to check for cancer. A biopsy is the only sure way to know if you have the cancer. A PET scan (Figure 2) , a CT scan PET-CT scan Other tests, as needed. How is Hodgkin lymphoma treated? Treatment for Hodgkin lymphoma depends on what type of lymphoma you have, the stage
Chemotherapy. This is the main treatment. These medicines kill fast-growing cells, including cancer cells and some normal cells.
Radiation therapy. This uses high-dose X-rays to destroy cancer cells and shrink tumours.
Stem cell transplant. This replaces damaged cells with healthy stem cells. They help your bone marrow make healthy blood cells.
Immunotherapy. This treatment helps your immune system fight cancer. It may be given in several ways.
Targeted therapy. These medicines target cancer cells and may cause less harm to normal cells. They help keep cancer from growing or spreading.
Your doctor will talk with you about your options and then make a treatment plan.
Figure 1 - Lymph system The lymph system is a network of vessels and organs throughout the body. This system carries lymph fluid, nutrients, and waste material between the body tissues and the bloodstream.
The lymph system includes the lymph nodes, tonsils, thymus, spleen, and bone marrow. The lymph nodes filter lymph fluid as it flows through them. The nodes trap bacteria, viruses, and other foreign substances, which are then destroyed by special white blood cells called lymphocytes.
The lymph system is also an important part of the immune system, the body's defence against disease. When there is a problem in the body, the nearby lymph nodes may become swollen. For example, if a person has a throat infection, lymph nodes in the neck may swell and become tender.
Sometimes diseases, like cancer, can begin in the lymph system or spread to it.
Current as of: September 25, 2023
Author: Ignite Healthwise, LLC StaffClinical Review Board
Figure 2 - PET Scanner Positron emission tomography (PET) is a test that uses a special type of camera and a tracer (radioactive substance) to look at organs in the body.
During the test, the tracer liquid is put into a vein in your arm. The tracer moves through your body, where much of it collects in the specific organ or tissues. The tracer gives off tiny positively charged particles (positrons). The camera records the positrons and turns the recording into pictures on a computer.
A PET scan may be used to look for cancer, check blood flow, or find out how well organs are working.
Current as of: July 31, 2024
Author: Ignite Healthwise, LLC StaffClinical Review Board
