Hodgkin Lymphoma
Medically Reviewed by: Dr. Bautista
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Updated on: November 16, 2019
About Hodgkin Lymphoma
Hodgkin lymphoma, also known simply as Hodgkin’s disease, is a cancer affecting your lymphatic system, a part of your immune system. With Hodgkin lymphoma, lymph cells grow into abnormal cancer cells, resulting in the formation of tumors and potential spread to other parts of the body. This is just one of two common forms of cancer affecting the lymphatic system. Non-Hodgkin lymphoma is far more common. Types of classic Hodgkin lymphoma include:
- Chronic lymphocytic leukemia
- Cutaneous T-cell lymphoma
- Cutaneous B-cell lymphoma
Nodular lymphocyte-predominant Hodgkin lymphoma is a rarer type of this lymphoma.
Hodgkin lymphoma is more commonly diagnosed in people between the age of 20 and 40 and those over the age of 55. However, this cancer can affect anyone of any age. Advances in diagnosis and treatment have contributed to improved prognoses in those cancer patients with Hodgkin Lymphoma.
Causes and Risk Factors
The exact cause of Hodgkin lymphoma is not known, though doctors understand that it is triggered by a genetic mutation in lymphocytes, a type of infection-fighting cell. The mutation causes the lymphocytes to grow and multiply rapidly, resulting in tumors that may spread to other parts of the body. The cause of this mutation is not known.
There are not many known risk factors for Hodgkin lymphoma. The Epstein-Barr virus, which causes infectious mononucleosis, may contribute to an increased risk of developing Hodgkin lymphoma. About 1 in 1,000 people who have had mono may develop Hodgkin lymphoma, which still makes for an increasingly small risk.
The risk of Hodgkin lymphoma is also higher in those infected with HIV and in others who have a compromised immune system.
Family history of the disease may also be a risk factor. Siblings of those with Hodgkin lymphoma have a risk of developing the cancer. An identical twin of someone with Hodgkin lymphoma has a high risk of developing the cancer. It’s still not known why or how family history may play a role.
Early Detection, Diagnosis, and Staging
The most common signs and symptoms of Hodgkin lymphoma include:
- Swelling in the neck, groin, or armpits
- An increased sensitivity to alcohol (pain in the lymph nodes following alcohol consumption)
- Sudden weight loss
- Severe itching
- Fever
- Night sweats
- Persistent exhaustion and fatigue
Diagnosing Hodgkin lymphoma usually starts with a physical exam to identify swollen lymph nodes and a swollen liver or spleen. From there, the doctor may take a blood test or imaging tests to look for signs of the cancer. Your doctor may also recommend a lymph node biopsy or bone marrow biopsy, which can confirm Hodgkin lymphoma.
Following a positive diagnosis, the doctor will proceed to the staging process. Understanding the cancer’s stage helps to determine a prognosis and develop a treatment plan. Stages range from I to IV with higher stages showing that the cancer has spread to other parts of the body. The stage is also labeled with A or B. A designates that you have not experienced any significant symptoms as a result of the cancer. B indicates symptoms like fever, night sweats, and sudden weight loss.
About Alternative and Natural Treatments for Hodgkin Lymphoma
Many people don’t realize there are other options for Cancer treatment besides chemotherapy and radiation therapy. Unlike these options, alternative cancer treatment works with your body instead of against it to fight off cancer and don’t cause nasty side effects such as a weakened immune system, rehabilitation, and general physical exhaustion. If you are looking for alternative treatment for Hodgkin Lymphoma, for either you or your loved one, look to Immunity Therapy Center. At Immunity Therapy Center, you can find a wide range of alternative, natural therapies for Hodgkin lymphoma. We work with you to develop a customized treatment plan that is tailored to your specific health needs. To learn more or to receive your own custom treatment plan, contact us today. We want to help you, or your loved one, fight this disease!
Sources:
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At Immunity Therapy Center, our goal is to provide objective, updated, and research-based information on all health-related topics. This article is based on scientific research and/or other scientific articles. All information has been fact-checked and reviewed by Dr. Carlos Bautista, a Board Certified Medical Doctor at Immunity Therapy Center. All information published on the site must undergo an extensive review process to ensure accuracy. This article contains trusted sources with all references hyperlinked for the reader's visibility.
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