Hodgkin's lymphoma (patient information): Difference between revisions
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==Who is at risk for Hodgkin's lymphoma?== | ==Who is at risk for Hodgkin's lymphoma?== | ||
Clinical data has suggested that the development of Hodgkin's lymphoma is related to several factors. | |||
:*Epstein-Barr Virus (EBV) Infection/Mononucleosis: The role of EBV in the development of Hodgkin lymphoma is not very clear. As we know, mononucleosis is an infection caused by the Epstein-Barr virus (EBV). Clinical data show that mononuclesis has a close relationship with Hodgkin's disease. | |||
:*Family history: The reason why family history may increase risk of developing Hodgkin's lymphoma is not clear. Some researchers proclaimed they had found certain changes in the genes responsible for immunity in patients with Hodgkin lymphoma. | |||
:*Socioeconomic Status: Clinical survey shows patients with Hodgkin lymphoma posses higher socioeconomic background. The reason is not clear. | |||
:*Geography: Epidemiological data demonstrates that Hodgkin lymphoma is most common in western countries such as the United States, Canada and northern Europe, and is least common in Asian countries. | |||
:*Age: Epidemiological survey suggests that Hodgkin disease is most common in early adulthood (ages 15 to 40, especially in a person's 20s) and in late adulthood (after age 55). | |||
:*Gender: Hodgkin disease occurs slightly more often in men than in women. | |||
==How to know you have Hodgkin's lymphoma?== | ==How to know you have Hodgkin's lymphoma?== | ||
Revision as of 13:30, 4 August 2009
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What is Hodgkin's lymphoma?
There are two kinds of lymphoma: Hodgkin disease and Non-Hodgkin's lymphoma. Hodgkin disease is also called Hodgkin lymphoma, which is named after Dr. Thomas Hodgkin who recognized the disease in 1832. Hodgkin's lymphoma is rare in America. Usual symptoms include painless swelling of the lymph nodes in the neck, armpits, or groin, fever and chills, night sweats, and so on. Hodgkin's lymphoma can be diagnosed by biopsy. Treatment includes radiation therapy or chemotherapy.
How do I know if I have Hodgkin's lymphoma and what are the symptoms of Hodgkin's lymphoma?
Early Hodgkin's lymphoma does not have any symptoms. People may notice one or more of the following symptoms as the tumor developing or when detected by regular examinations:
- Painless swelling of the lymph nodes in the neck, armpits, or groin
- Fever and chills
- Night sweats
- Weight loss
- Loss of appetite
- Itchy skin
Other health problems may also cause these symptoms. Only a doctor can tell for sure. A person with any of these symptoms should tell the doctor so that the problems can be diagnosed and treated as early as possible.
Who is at risk for Hodgkin's lymphoma?
Clinical data has suggested that the development of Hodgkin's lymphoma is related to several factors.
- Epstein-Barr Virus (EBV) Infection/Mononucleosis: The role of EBV in the development of Hodgkin lymphoma is not very clear. As we know, mononucleosis is an infection caused by the Epstein-Barr virus (EBV). Clinical data show that mononuclesis has a close relationship with Hodgkin's disease.
- Family history: The reason why family history may increase risk of developing Hodgkin's lymphoma is not clear. Some researchers proclaimed they had found certain changes in the genes responsible for immunity in patients with Hodgkin lymphoma.
- Socioeconomic Status: Clinical survey shows patients with Hodgkin lymphoma posses higher socioeconomic background. The reason is not clear.
- Geography: Epidemiological data demonstrates that Hodgkin lymphoma is most common in western countries such as the United States, Canada and northern Europe, and is least common in Asian countries.
- Age: Epidemiological survey suggests that Hodgkin disease is most common in early adulthood (ages 15 to 40, especially in a person's 20s) and in late adulthood (after age 55).
- Gender: Hodgkin disease occurs slightly more often in men than in women.
How to know you have Hodgkin's lymphoma?
When to seek urgent medical care?
Treatment options
Diseases with similar symptoms
Where to find medical care for Hodgkin's lymphoma?
Directions to Hospitals Treating Hodgkin's disease
Prevention of Hodgkin's lymphoma
What to expect (Outook/Prognosis)?
Copyleft Sources
http://www.cancer.gov/cancertopics/types/hodgkin
http://www.cancer.org/docroot/CRI/content/CRI_2_2_1X_What_is_Hodgkins_disease_20.asp?sitearea=CRI