Hodgkin's Disease

Hodgkin's disease is a type of lymphoma. Lymphoma is cancer of lymph tissue found in the lymph nodes, spleen, liver, and bone marrow. The first sign of Hodgkin's disease is often an enlarged lymph node. The disease can spread to nearby lymph nodes. Later it may spread to the lungs, liver or bone marrow. The cause is unknown.

Hodgkin's disease is rare. Symptoms 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

Doctors can diagnose Hodgkin's disease with a biopsy. This involves removing and examining a piece of tissue under a microscope. 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's disease can be cured.

National Cancer Institute

Hodgkin's Disease on Wikipedia

'''Hodgkin's disease''' is a type of lymphoma described by Thomas Hodgkin in 1832, and characterized by the presence of Reed-Sternberg cells.

Epidemiology

Unlike other lymphomas, whose incidence increases with age, Hodgkin's lymphoma has a bimodal incidence (epidemiology) curve: that is, it occurs more frequently in two separate age groups, the first being young adulthood (age 15-35), the second being in those over 50 years old. Overall, it is more common in males, except for the ''nodular sclerosis'' variant (see below) of Hodgkin disease, which is more common in women. The incidence of Hodgkin's disease is about 4/100,000 people/year, and accounts for a bit less than 1% of all cancers worldwide.

Symptoms

Swollen, but non-painful, lymph nodes are the most common sign of Hodgkin's disease, often occurring in the neck. The lymph nodes of the chest are often affected and these may be noticed on a chest X-ray. About one-third of people with Hodgkin's disease may also notice some systemic symptoms, such as low-grade fever, night sweats, weight loss, itchy skin, or fatigue (physical).

Diagnosis

Hodgkin's disease must be distinguished from non-cancerous causes of lymph node swelling (such as various infections) and from other types of cancer. Definitive diagnosis is by lymph node biopsy (removal of a lymph node for pathological examination). Blood tests are also performed to assess function of major organs, to detect lymphoma deposits or to assess safety for chemotherapy. Positron emission tomography is used to detect small deposits that do not show on CT scanning.

Pathology

Macroscopy

Affected lymph nodes (most often, laterocervical lymph nodes) are enlarged, but their shape is preserved because the capsule is not invaded. Usually, the cut surface is white-grey and uniform; in some histological subtypes (e.g. nodular sclerosis) may appear a nodular aspect.

Microscopy

Microscopic ... [ Read More ]

External Resources

Nell, Miranda - Drink Me - A journal, poetry, creative writing, personal stories on epilepsy and Hodgkin's disease, and essays on atheism, abortion, drug laws and other topics.

Tribute To Michael Cuccione - A tribute to an inspirational teen idol. He survived two bouts with Hodgkin's Disease and created The Michael Cuccione Foundation.

Non-Hodgkin's Lymphomas: Making Sense of Diagnosis, Treatment, and Options - Helps those living with this disease to participate in wise treatment decisions, as well as to cope with tests, treatment side effects, and practical issues.

The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society - Fighting leukemia, lymphoma, Hodgkin's disease and myeloma.

Lymphoma Information Network - Provides detailed information about Hodgkin's disease.

Hodgkin's Disease Information for Kids - Aims to plainly inform and comfort those of all ages.

Understanding Hodgkin's Disease - Online booklet from the UK support organization CancerBACUP addresses causes and treatments for this type of lymphoma.

Mayo Clinic: Hodgkin's Lymphoma - Addresses the symptoms, diagnosis and treatment of this disease.

Mammas Health: Hodgkin's Disease - Overview information about this form of lymphoma.

The KDH Hodgkin's Disease Foundation - Information about the activities of this non-profit organization which funds clinical trials, research and publications.

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