|  | Cancer | Lymphoma

Signs That Treatment is Working on Hodgkins Lymphoma

Hodgkins Lymphoma, characterized by a growth of cancerous cells in the lymphatic system, can affect anyone but most often occurs in those between the ages of 15 to 35 and 50 to 70. It also affects men more than women. With treatment, about 85 percent of Hodgkins Lymphoma patients survive.

  1. Diagnosis of Hodgkins Lymphoma

    • Hodgkins Lymphoma is differentiated from other cancers by the presence of Reed-Sternberg cells. This is usually detected through a biopsy. In addition, Hodgkins symptoms, including painful swelling in lymph nodes areas, recurrent fevers and night sweats, weight loss, and itchy skin, can also lead to its diagnosis.

    Chemotherapy

    • One treatment option for Hodgkins Lymphoma is chemotherapy. This is designed to kill cancer cells in affected areas and shrink tumors. Chemotherapy usually lasts from 4 to 6 months. Its effectiveness can be assessed through further biopsies, CT scans, and/or MRIs. Usually, chemotherapy will kill the cancerous cells.

    Radiotherapy

    • Radiotherapy treatment involves focusing high-energy beams of radiation directly onto the cancerous areas of the body. It's expected to kill cancer cells or stop them from growing and spreading. It is sometimes used in combination with chemotherapy. To assess its effectiveness, doctors will run tests such as biopsies, CT scans and/or MRIs. Radiotherapy, sometimes in combination with chemotherapy, usually kills the cancerous cells.

    Stem Cell Transplant

    • Another option for Hodgkins Lymphoma treatment is a stem cell transplant. This is not often used, as chemotherapy and/or radiotherapy is usually effective. A stem cell transplant uses high doses of chemotherapy and sometimes radiotherapy to kill abnormal cells, but it also kills healthy stem cells. Then, healthy stem cells are transplanted into the patient to create normal blood cells. If chemotherapy and radiotherapy do not work, this treatment usually will be effective.

    Prognosis of Hodgkins Lymphoma Treatment

    • Hodgkins Lymphoma is one of the most curable types of cancer and usually responds well to treatment, whether the patient is in Stage 1 or Stage 4 of the disease. For those in Stages 1 to 3, 80 percent will be cured. For patients in Stage 4 of the disease, 60 percent can expect a full recovery.

Lymphoma - Related Articles