Hodgkin's Disease and Treatment
By: Mark MonteiroTotal Views: 144, Word Count: 523,
Hodgkin's disease is classified as a type of cancer called the lymphoma; it is a cancer of the lymphatic system. The name of the disease comes from Thomas Hodgkin, who was an English scholar and a physician in a hospital.
Information on Hodgkin's disease-
The lymphatic system consists of tissues, blood vessels and various other tissues which carry lymph throughout the body. Lymph is actually a bloodlike fluid. One can determine the presence of Hodgkin’s disease by the presence of Reed-Sternberg cells.
Hodgkin's disease which is also referred to as Hodgkin’s lymphoma is a type of cancer which begins in the lymphatic tissue. This disease is described clinically as an orderly spread of the disease from one lymph node to another.
The lymphatic tissue is enlarged in patients who suffer from Hodgkin’s disease. When the lymphatic tissues become big it causes pressure on vital structures in the body. In Hodgkin’s disease the cells become abnormal and fail to function properly. The cells are known to divide rapidly and grow in any order having no control. Hodgkin’s disease can start any where in the body, since lymphatic tissues are present in many parts of the body.
The two main categories of Hodgkin’s disease are -
§ Classical Hodgkin’s disease
§ Nodular lymphocyte predominant Hodgkin’s disease
Causes of Hodgkins disease-
The main cause which leads to Hodgkin’s disease is still unknown. This disease is seen to be more prevalent in men more than in women.
Epstein-Barr virus: People who have had Epstein-Barr virus which can cause infectious mononucleosis are a susceptible to suffer from Hodgkin’s disease.
Age and genetics: Age and genetics are factors which lead to Hodgkin’s disease. Family members who suffer from this disease can spread the gene further. Hodgkin’s lymphoma is most common among in the age group- 15 to 35 years and 50 to 70 years.
Environmental variables: Both incorrect choices in regard to lifestyle and environment can cause Hodgkins disease.
Symptoms of Hodgkin’s disease are as follows-
§ Night sweats
§ Fever and chills
§ Painless swelling of lymph nodes in the armpits, groin and neck
§ Tenderness or itchiness on the trunk of the body
§ Shortness of breath
§ Fatigue
§ Unexplained weight loss
§ Unusual abdominal or back pain
Treatment for Hodgkin’s disease-
Radiation therapy: Radiation therapy is known to be quite helpful if the disease is confined to a limited area.
Biological therapy: With the use of biological therapy, naturally occurring substances of the immune system are used to stop lymphoma progression.
Stem cell transplantation: Stem cell transplantation is mainly used to enable the treatment with high doses of chemotherapy.
Bone marrow transplant and peripheral blood transplants: During peripheral blood transplants, transplants of high dose of chemotherapy and radiotherapy are made to enter the immune system. This treatment is mainly used for patients suffering from recurrent disease.
Chemotherapy: Chemotherapy involves the use of drugs to kill cancer cells and shrink tumours.
It should be noted that Hodgkin’s disease is one of the first cancers which can treated and cured with effective therapies.
About the Author
Dr. Mark Monteiro is graduated from the Hazard University and done his MBA from the he University Of Illinois College Of Medicine. Currently he is working as general physician at Elmhurst Loyola Center for Health. For over 15 years he has been a pioneer in the field of physician health. He has contributed to the treatment of many diseases like- ASTHMA, TUBERCULOSIS, HIV, HEPATITIS AND ITS TREATMENT.
Advice Rating: Not yet rated
Login to vote