Hodgkin’s Lymphoma is a cancer of the immune system that is marked
by the presence of a type of cell called the Reed-Sternberg cell. The
two major types of Hodgkin’s lymphoma are classical Hodgkin’s
lymphoma and nodular lymphocyte-predominant Hodgkin’s lymphoma.
How Hodgkin’s Lymphoma Develops
Hodgkin’s lymphoma begins in cells of the immune system. The lymphatic
system is part of the immune system and includes the lymph vessels, lymph,
and lymph nodes. Since lymphatic tissue is in many parts of the body,
Hodgkin’s lymphoma can start almost anywhere. Usually, it’s
first found in a lymph node above the diaphragm, but may also be found
in a group of lymph nodes.
Hodgkin’s lymphoma begins when a lymphocyte becomes abnormal. The
abnormal cell divides to make copies of itself. Hodgkin’s lymphoma
cells are called Reed-Sternberg cells. These cells don’t protect
the body from infections or other diseases, and also don’t die when
they should. The lymph node that contains the Reed-Sternberg cells becomes
enlarged, and the abnormal cells can spread throughout the body.
Risk Factors for Hodgkin’s Lymphoma
It is unknown why one person develops this and another does not, but there
are certain risk factors that increase the chance that a person will develop
the disease. These include certain viruses, weakened immune system, age
and family history. Hodgkin’s lymphoma can cause many symptoms also.
Symptoms of Hodgkin’s Lymphoma
Symptoms consist of:
Swollen lymph nodes in the neck, underarms, or groin
Becoming more sensitive to the effects of alcohol
Having painful lymph nodes after drinking alcohol
Weight loss for no known reason
Fever that does not go away
Soaking night sweats
Itchy skin
Coughing
Trouble breathing
Chest pain
Weakness and tiredness that don’t go away
Diagnosis & Testing
Upon visiting with your physician about your symptoms you may also have
a physical exam, blood tests, chest x-rays, and biopsy. A biopsy is the
only sure way to diagnosis Hodgkin’s lymphoma and is done by removal
of entire lymph node or part of lymph node. A pathologist checks the tissue
under microscope for Hodgkin’s lymphoma cells. This helps determine
the type of Hodgkin’s lymphoma either classical Hodgkin’s
lymphoma which most people have that show Reed-Sternberg cells. The nodular
lymphocyte-predominant Hodgkin’s lymphoma is rare and the abnormal
cell is called a popcorn cell.
Staging & Imaging
In order to come up with the best treatment plan the doctor needs to know
the stage of the disease. To find out what parts of the body are affected
by the disease additional testing may need to be done involving CT scan,
MRI, PET scan, and bone marrow biopsy may be done. Upon final test results
a treatment plan will be determined by you and your healthcare team and
will be determined mainly on the type of your Hodgkin’s lymphoma,
its stage, whether you have a mass or tumor that is more than 4 inches
wide, age, and if you’ve had weight loss, drenching night sweats,
or fever. People with Hodgkin’s lymphoma may be treated with chemotherapy,
radiation therapy, or both which will be discussed to you by your healthcare provider.
Guiding You Toward Recovery with Compassion and Expertise
At Big Horn Basin Regional Cancer Center, our team provides specialized,
evidence-based care for patients diagnosed with Hodgkin’s lymphoma.
We work closely with hematologists and oncology specialists to develop
individualized treatment plans that reflect each patient’s diagnosis,
stage, and overall health.
Contact us today to learn more about Hodgkin’s lymphoma treatment in Cody, WY
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