Information From Your Health Care Provider

HODGKIN'S DISEASE

(Hodgkin's Lymphoma)

Basic information

description

Hodgkin's disease is a rare cancer that involves the lymphatic system (part of the body's immune system). It is a type of lymphoma (the other type, non-Hodgkin's lymphoma, is more common). The lymphatic system is made up of the lymph nodes (glands), spleen, thymus gland, and bone marrow. Lymph nodes are found throughout the body and are connected by vessels (called lymphatics). Hodgkin's disease can affect all ages, but is most common in young adults and older persons. It is rare in children under 10.

FREQUENT SIGNS & SYMPTOMS

Swollen, non-tender, rubbery, distinct lymph nodes (glands) anywhere in the body, but most commonly in the neck, armpit, or groin.
Intermittent fever and night sweats.
Itching all over the body.
Weight loss and loss of appetite.
Jaundice (yellow skin and eyes).
General ill feeling.
Cough.

causes

Unknown. Research is ongoing.

risk increases with

Young adults and older adults.
Males more than females.
Past infection with Epstein-Barr virus (e.g., infectious mononucleosis).
Having a first-degree relative with Hodgkin's disease.
People with weak immune systems due to illness or drugs.

PREVENTIVE MEASURES

No specific preventive measures.

expected outcomes

Often curable if diagnosed and treated early. The outcome will vary for patients with advanced stage disease. The treatment can also have long term effects.

possible complications

Spread of cancer to other places in the body.
Infertility in males and females.
Heart or lung disorders, anemia, hypothyroidism, and infections.
Cancer may return after treatment.

diagnosis & treatment

general measures

Your health care provider will do a physical exam and ask questions about your symptoms and activities. Different medical tests are done to verify the diagnosis and to determine if the cancer has spread to other places in the body (called staging).
Treatment will depend on the stage of the disease, patient's age and health status, and whether patient is pregnant.
Treatment usually combines chemotherapy (anticancer drugs) and radiation therapy. Less often, each one may be used alone. Treatment using a stem cell transplant may be an option in certain patients. Your health care provider will discuss your options with you.
Males receiving therapy may want to consider sperm-banking in case of sterility. Females may want to store fertilized eggs.
Good oral hygiene is important to prevent mouth sores, if receiving chemotherapy.
Counseling may help you to cope with having cancer.
To learn more: American Cancer Society; (800) ACS-2345; website: www.cancer.org or National Cancer Institute; (800) 4-CANCER; website: www.nci.nih.gov.

medications

Anticancer drugs (chemotherapy) are usually prescribed. These may cause side effects or adverse reactions in some people.
Steroid drugs may be prescribed for short periods.

activity

Remain as active as your strength allows. Regular exercise can help both physical and emotional health.