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The Diagnosis of Hodgkins Lymphoma

Cancer is caused by uncontrollable cell growth. When cancerous cells are in the lymphatic system, white blood cells begin to multiply, but the cells also begin to lose their ability to fight off infections. This process is called Hodgkin's disease.

  1. Understanding the Lymphatic System

    • The lymphatic system is similar to a water purifier because it filters out bacteria and cancerous cells. Your lymph system resembles blood vessels. The lymph system also contains lymph nodes. It is normal for lymph nodes, which are tiny glands found in the armpits, neck, behind the breast bone, groin and many other parts of the body, to become swollen and sore when fighting off an infection.

    Causes of Hodgkin's Lymphoma

    • It is unknown what causes Hodgkin's disease. Some studies suggest that Hodgkin's lymphoma occurs more in individuals who have had mononucleosis, individuals with a weak immune system and those with immune diseases such as HIV or AIDS. This disease typically occurs more in men than women. Instances of Hodgkin's strikes teenage males through the early thirties, and then is more typically found in men after their mid-fifties. Genetics might also play a role.

    Symptoms

    • Many people that have been diagnosed with Hodgkin's lymphoma have experienced flu-like symptoms such as fever, sore throat and sweating at night. Other symptoms might include nose bleeds, fatigue and breathing difficulties. Some people do not experience any symptoms at all. There is not always pain involved in the first stages of any cancer. It is important to see a doctor when you have symptoms that are abnormal for you.

    Diagnosing Hodgkin's Lymphoma

    • To properly diagnose Hodgkin's lymphoma, a series of tests is necessary. Several tests, such as a blood test, X-ray, CAT scan or an MRI, can help detect the presence of Hodgkin's. If anything is detected from one of these tests, the doctor will proceed with a biopsy. A biopsy is a when a lymph node is removed and placed under a microscope to see whether any cancer cells are present. If cancer cells are present, the doctor will take further measures to see how far the cancer has spread, or if it has spread at all. This will determine the stage of cancer.

    Treating Hodgkin's Lymphoma

    • Once a person has been diagnosed with this disease, they must immediately undergo a series of treatments such as radiation and chemotherapy. Radiation treatment can either be given internally or externally. Radiation is used to shrink tumors and kill the cancerous cells. Some of the body's good cells are often harmed during this process, but they usually recover from the treatment. Chemotherapy is a treatment that uses chemicals or drugs to kill the cancer cells, and reduce the size of tumors. If the cancer has become advanced, these treatments might be given together for a better opportunity of killing the cancer. After being treated for Hodgkin's lymphoma, it becomes necessary to have regular follow-ups with your doctor. You can be in remission for several years and still have the disease return.

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