Hodgkin’s disease

Hodgkin's Disease
Other names	Hodgkin lymphoma
Specialty	Oncology
Symptoms	Painless swelling of lymph nodes, fever, night sweats, weight loss
Types	Classical Hodgkin's lymphoma, nodular lymphocyte-predominant Hodgkin's lymphoma
Causes	Unclear
Risk factors	Family history, Epstein-Barr virus, HIV/AIDS
Diagnostic method	Biopsy
Differential diagnosis	Non-Hodgkin lymphoma, infectious mononucleosis, other lymphomas
Treatment	Chemotherapy, radiation therapy, stem cell transplant

Hodgkin's disease, also known as Hodgkin lymphoma, is a type of lymphoma in which cancer originates from a specific type of white blood cells called lymphocytes. This disease is characterized by the presence of Reed-Sternberg cells, a type of abnormal lymphocyte, in the lymph nodes.

Symptoms

The most common symptom of Hodgkin's disease is the painless swelling of lymph nodes in the neck, armpits, or groin. Other symptoms may include fever, night sweats, weight loss, itching, and fatigue. The symptoms of Hodgkin's disease can often be mistaken for those of less serious illnesses, such as the flu.

Causes and Risk Factors

The exact causes of Hodgkin's disease are not well understood, but several risk factors have been identified. These include a family history of the disease, previous infection with the Epstein-Barr virus, and having a compromised immune system, such as from HIV/AIDS.

Diagnosis

Diagnosis of Hodgkin's disease typically involves a physical examination, blood tests, imaging tests such as CT scans or MRI, and most importantly, a biopsy of the enlarged lymph node. The presence of Reed-Sternberg cells in the biopsy sample is crucial for the diagnosis.

Treatment

Treatment options for Hodgkin's disease vary depending on the stage and features of the disease, as well as the patient's age and overall health. Common treatments include chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and in some cases, stem cell transplant. The choice of treatment is tailored to achieve the best possible outcome with the least side effects.

Prognosis

The prognosis for Hodgkin's disease has improved significantly over the years due to advances in treatment. Many people with Hodgkin's disease achieve long-term remission or are cured. The survival rates vary depending on the stage at diagnosis and the response to treatment.

Epidemiology

Hodgkin's disease is relatively rare compared to other forms of cancer. It most commonly affects people between the ages of 20 and 40, and those over 55. There is a slightly higher prevalence in males than in females.

See also

• Lymphatic system
• Cancer
• Chemotherapy
• Radiation therapy