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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. About 10 percent to 15
percent of cases are found in children 16 years
old and younger. 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. Symptoms may include:
- 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. Always consult
your physician for a diagnosis.
What
are the risk factors for Hodgkin's disease?
Suggested risk factors for Hodgkin's disease include
the following:
- Infectious Mononucleosis
- Age: Hodgkin's disease occurs most often in
people between ages 15 and 34, and in people
over the age of 55.
- Gender: Hodgkin's disease is more common in
men than in women.
- Family History: Brothers and sisters of those
with Hodgkin's disease have a higher-than-average
chance of developing the disease.
- Viruses: Epstein-Barr virus may be associated
with an increased risk of Hodgkin's disease.
- Acquired Immune Deficiency 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 the following:
- additional blood tests
- x-rays of the chest, bones, liver, and spleen
- lymph node biopsy - a procedure performed
to remove tissue or cells from the body for examination
under a microscope.
Treatment for Hodgkin's
disease:
Specific treatment for Hodgkin's disease will
be determined by your physician based on:
- your age, 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:
Non-Hodgkin's
Lymphoma
What
is non-Hodgkin's lymphoma?
Non-Hodgkin's disease is a type of lymphoma, which
is a cancer in the lymphatic system.
Non-Hodgkin's lymphoma causes the cells in the
lymphatic system to abnormally reproduce, eventually
causing tumors to grow. Non-Hodgkin's lymphoma
cells can also spread to other organs.
There are several types of non-Hodgkin's lymphoma,
which are classified by how quickly they spread.
What
are the symptoms of non-Hodgkin's lymphoma?
The following are the most common symptoms of
non-Hodgkin's lymphoma. However, each individual
may experience symptoms differently. Symptoms may
include:
- painless swelling of lymph nodes in neck,
underarm, and groin
- fever
- night sweats
- fatigue
- weight loss
- itching of the skin
- recurring infections
The symptoms of non-Hodgkin's lymphoma may resemble
other blood disorders or medical problems, such
as influenza or other infections. Always consult
your physician for a diagnosis.
What are the risk factors for non-Hodgkin's lymphoma?
Suggested risk factors for non-Hodgkin's
lymphomas include the following:
- genetic disease of the immune system
- environmental factors such as radiation, chemicals,
and infections
- organ transplantation
- infections with human immunodeficiency virus
(HIV) or human T-cell leukemia/lymphoma virus
(HTLV-1)
- Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) bacterium,
which has been identified as a cause of stomach
ulcers
What
causes non-Hodgkin's lymphoma?
No specific cause has been identified.
How
is non-Hodgkin's lymphoma diagnosed?
In addition to a complete medical history and
physical examination, diagnostic procedures for
non-Hodgkin's lymphoma may include the following:
- additional blood tests and other evaluation
procedures
- x-rays of the chest, bones, liver, and spleen
- lymph node biopsy - a procedure performed to
remove tissue or cells from the body for examination
under a microscope.
- bone marrow aspiration and/or biopsy - a procedure
that involves taking a small amount of bone marrow
fluid (aspiration) and/or solid bone marrow tissue
(called a core biopsy), usually from the hip
bones, to be examined for the number, size, and
maturity of blood cells and/or abnormal cells.
- computed tomography scan (also called a CT
or CAT scan) - a diagnostic imaging procedure
that uses a combination of x-rays and computer
technology to produce cross-sectional images
(often called slices), both horizontally and
vertically, of the body. A CT scan shows detailed
images of any part of the body, including the
bones, muscles, fat, and organs. CT scans are
more detailed than general x-rays.
- ultrasound (also called sonography) - a diagnostic
imaging technique which uses high-frequency sound
waves and a computer to create images of blood
vessels, tissues, and organs. Ultrasounds are
used to view internal organs as they function,
and to assess blood flow through various vessels.
- PET (positron emission tomography) scan –
a diagnostic imaging test which provides information
regarding metabolic activity in the body. A
small amount of radioactive tracer is injected
into a vein in the patient’s arm. The
PET scanner then records the energy given off
by the tracer and converts this information
into three-dimensional images which the doctor
can study to detect any functional problems.
Treatment
for non-Hodgkin's lymphoma:
Specific treatment for non-Hodgkin's lymphoma
will be determined by your physician based on:
• your age, 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 (more
info)
• Chemotherapy (more
info)
• Targeted Biological Therapy- The medication
Rituxan is a targeted therapy which binds to
specific components of B-lymphocytes, the most
common cancerous cells in non-Hodgkins lymphoma,
ultimately causing their destruction. (more
info)
• A combination of biological and radiation
therapy is sometimes recommended.
Patients at Huntington Hospital are eligible to
participate in clinical trials for new lymphoma
treatments. Click
here for more information about clinical trials
available at Huntington Hospital.
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