Hodgkins disease

Chest | Allergy & Immunology | Hodgkins disease (Disease)


Description

Hodgkins lymphoma - formerly known as Hodgkins disease - is a cancer of the lymphatic system, which is part of your immune system.

In Hodgkins lymphoma, cells in the lymphatic system grow abnormally and may spread beyond the lymphatic system. As Hodgkins lymphoma progresses, it compromises your bodys ability to fight infection.

Symptoms may include painless swelling of the lymph nodes in the neck, armpits, or groin, fever and chills, night sweats, weight loss, loss of appetite, itchy skin.

Causes and Risk factors

The exact cause of Hodgkin’s disease is unknown. There are five types of Hodgkin’s disease - all among a group of cancers called lymphomas - cancers of the lymphatic system. The lymphatic system includes the lymph nodes (lymph glands), which are located throughout your body and are connected by small vessels called lymphatics. The spleen, thymus gland and bone marrow also are part of the lymphatic system.

Hodgkin’s disease commonly begins in lymph nodes located in the upper part of the body. Some lymph nodes are in areas more readily noticed, such as in the neck, above your collarbone, under the arms or in the groin area. Enlarged lymph nodes in the chest cavity also are common. Hodgkin’s disease may spread outside your lymph nodes to virtually any part of your body.

Diagnosis and Treatment

Doctors can diagnose Hodgkin disease with a biopsy. Treatment varies depending on how far the disease has spread and often includes radiation therapy or chemotherapy. The earlier the disease is diagnosed, the more effective the treatment. In most cases, Hodgkin disease can be cured. ...