Information on Hodgkins Disease
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Symptoms
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The signs of Hodgkin's Disease include appetite loss, night sweats, fatigue, red patches of the skin, itchiness, weight loss and fever.
Risks
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Researchers have studied risk factors that may contribute to Hodgkin's, according to medicinenet.com. For instance, those with Hodgkin's disease are often between the ages of 15 and 34 or over 55. Hodgkin's Disease occurs more commonly in men than women. If you have a family history of Hodgkin's, there is a higher chance for developing the disease. If you have or have been infected with Epstein Barr Virus (EBV), which is a herpes virus, you may be more susceptible to Hodgkin's Disease in the future.
Complications
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Those with Hodgkin's are susceptible to complications, such as cardiovascular problems, tumors, vascular disease such as a stroke, thyroid problems, and sterility.
Diagnosis
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Hodgkin's disease is often diagnosed via a physical exam, biopsy, x-rays, and high definition imaging, such as a CT, MRI or PET scan. Blood tests should also be performed if there is a possibility of cancer. These tests can also help in the staging of Hodgkin's Disease.
Treatment
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The treatment of Hodgkin's Disease includes chemotherapy, radiation, bone marrow or stem cell transplants. According to Merck, chemotherapy is used for all stages of the disease.
Prognosis
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The prognosis of Hodgkin's Disease depends heavily on how advanced it is and how quickly it was diagnosed. Treatment of Hodgkin's is often successful and many are cured of the disease. Approximately 80 percent of those diagnosed survive for at least five years, according to Cancer Research UK.
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