Understanding Hodgkin's Lymphoma Cancer Symptoms, Stages, Treatment

Understanding Hodgkin's Lymphoma Cancer

Hodgkin's lymphoma, also known as Hodgkin's disease, is a type of cancer that affects the lymphatic system. The lymphatic system helps fight infection and disease in the body. Hodgkin's lymphoma occurs when lymphocytes, a type of white blood cell, begin growing abnormally and form tumors in the lymphatic system. This can cause the lymph nodes and other parts of the lymphatic system to enlarge as the cancer spreads.

Symptoms of Hodgkin's Lymphoma

There are a few key symptoms of Hodgkin's lymphoma to be aware of. These include:

• Painless swelling of lymph nodes in the neck, underarm, or groin area
• Unexplained fevers
• Unexplained weight loss
• Night sweats
• Persistent fatigue
• Itching skin

Swollen lymph nodes are often one of the first signs of Hodgkin's lymphoma. However, keep in mind that enlarged lymph nodes can also be caused by infections or other conditions. If you have persistent swollen nodes, it's important to see a doctor to determine the cause.

What Causes Hodgkin's Lymphoma?

Medical researchers do not know the exact cause of Hodgkin's lymphoma. However, some potential risk factors that may increase the chance of developing this cancer include:

• Having a weakened immune system
• Having Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) infection
• Family history of lymphoma or other blood cancers
• Being between the ages of 15-40 or over 55 years old

It's important to keep in mind that having a risk factor does not mean you will definitely develop Hodgkin's lymphoma. Many people with these risk factors never get the disease, while others with no known risk factors do end up developing it.

Diagnosing Hodgkin's Lymphoma

If Hodgkin's lymphoma is suspected based on symptoms, a doctor will run medical tests to confirm the diagnosis. These may include:

• Blood tests to look for abnormalities
• Imaging tests like CT scan, PET scan, MRI, or X-ray to view lymph nodes and look for enlarged nodes or masses
• Biopsy of enlarged lymph node to examine tissue under a microscope

A biopsy is the main way to definitively diagnose Hodgkin's lymphoma. A sample of an enlarged lymph node is removed and examined by a pathologist to determine if lymphoma cells are present.

Stages of Hodgkin's Lymphoma

If Hodgkin's lymphoma is diagnosed, further tests will be done to determine the stage of the cancer. The stage indicates how far the cancer has spread in the body. Hodgkin's lymphoma stages are:

• Stage I - Cancer is in only 1 lymph node region or lymphatic organ
• Stage II - Cancer is in 2 or more lymph node regions on the same side of the diaphragm
• Stage III - Cancer is in lymph node regions on both sides of the diaphragm
• Stage IV - Cancer has spread outside of the lymphatic system into other organs such as the lungs, liver, or bone marrow

Knowing the exact stage allows doctors to determine the appropriate treatments and prognosis.

Treating Hodgkin's Lymphoma

Treatment for Hodgkin's lymphoma typically involves chemotherapy, radiation therapy, or a combination of both. The specific treatments used will depend on the stage of the cancer.

Chemotherapy

Chemotherapy uses anti-cancer drugs injected into the bloodstream to kill lymphoma cells throughout the body. It is commonly used as the initial treatment for most stages of Hodgkin's lymphoma. Chemotherapy treatments are given in cycles over a period of months.

Some common chemo drugs used for Hodgkin's lymphoma include:

• Brentuximab vedotin (Adcetris)
• Doxorubicin
• Bleomycin
• Vinblastine

Chemotherapy can cause various side effects including nausea, fatigue, increased risk of infection, hair loss, and mouth sores. However, medications are available to help manage many of these side effects.

Radiation Therapy

Radiation therapy uses high-energy beams to kill cancer cells and shrink tumors. It may be used:

• After chemotherapy to attack any remaining cancer cells
• As the sole treatment for early stage Hodgkin's lymphoma
• To relieve symptoms if the cancer comes back after initial treatment

Radiation is targeted at affected lymph nodes and adjacent areas. Side effects may include fatigue, skin changes, and increased risk of second cancers later in life.

Combined Treatments

For more advanced Hodgkin's lymphoma, chemotherapy is typically given first to treat the cancer throughout the body. This is followed by localized radiation therapy to the affected lymph node regions to further combat the cancer.

Stem Cell Transplant

For Hodgkin's lymphoma that relapses after initial chemotherapy and radiation or is resistant to treatment, a stem cell transplant may be an option. This involves destroying remaining lymphoma cells with high-dose chemotherapy and then transplanting blood-forming stem cells to regrow healthy bone marrow.

Immunotherapy

Immunotherapy drugs like nivolumab (Opdivo) may be used in certain situations for Hodgkin's lymphoma treatment. These drugs help boost the immune system's ability to fight cancer cells.

Targeted Therapy

Targeted drugs like brentuximab attack specific proteins on cancer cells. This causes the cells to die while causing minimal damage to normal cells. Targeted therapy may be used alone or combined with chemotherapy.

Survival Rates and Outlook

Hodgkin's lymphoma is considered one of the most successfully treated cancers. Overall survival rates are:

• Stage I-II: 90-95%
• Stage III-IV: 70-85%

With modern treatments, long term remission and cure are achievable for the majority of Hodgkin's lymphoma patients. Staying involved with follow-up care and monitoring after finishing treatment is important to catch any potential recurrence.

For patients whose Hodgkin's lymphoma does return, additional rounds of chemotherapy, radiation, or other treatments can often still provide good outcomes.

Hodgkin's Lymphoma Awareness Ribbon

The internationally recognized awareness ribbon color for Hodgkin's lymphoma is lime green. The lime green ribbon helps promote understanding of Hodgkin's disease and shows support for those battling this form of lymphoma.

Wearing a lime green ribbon or displaying lime green awareness ribbons during September and November can help bring attention to Hodgkin's lymphoma. September is Blood Cancer Awareness Month, while November contains Hodgkin's Lymphoma Awareness Day.

Since 1982, the Lymphoma Research Foundation has used lime green as the color to represent all types of lymphoma. The vibrant lime green color and ribbons help spread lymphoma awareness and serve as a symbol of hope for patients and their loved ones affected by lymphoma cancers.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.