What is Hodgkin lymphoma?Hodgkin lymphoma, sometimes called Hodgkin disease, is a type of lymphoma - a general term for cancer of the lymphatic system (the various lymph glands around the body). Show
There are two types of Hodgkin lymphoma:
Hodgkin lymphoma is a rare cancer accounting for approximately 0.5% of all cancers diagnosed in Australia. It is most commonly diagnosed in people aged between 15 and 29 or over 65. It is estimated that there will be 803 cases diagnosed in Australia in 2021.
Causes of Hodgkin lymphomaSome factors that can increase your risk of Hodgkin lymphoma include:
Diagnosis of Hodgkin lymphomaInitially your GP may give you a physical examination and feel the lymph nodes in your neck, underarm and groin for any swelling. If there is some enlargement you may have some additional tests. BiopsyThis is the most common test to diagnose Hodgkin lymphoma. Some tissue from the enlarged lymph node will be removed for examination under a microscope. There are two types of biopsy:
Further testsIf the results of your biopsy indicate you have Hodgkin lymphoma you may have additional tests to determine how far the cancer has spread. These may include:
After a diagnosis of Hodgkin lymphomaAfter being diagnosed with Hodgkin lymphoma, you may feel shocked, upset, anxious or confused. These are normal responses. A diagnosis of Hodgkin lymphoma affects each person differently. For most it will be a difficult time, however some people manage to continue with their normal daily activities. You may find it helpful to talk about your treatment options with your doctors, family and friends. Ask questions and seek as much information as you feel you need. It is up to you as to how involved you want to be in making decisions about your treatment. Find out more about the best Hodgkin lymphoma care: Treatment for Hodgkin lymphomaTreatment for Hodgkin lymphoma will depend on how advanced the disease is as well as your age, symptoms and overall health. StagingFurther tests after a biopsy will tell your doctor how far Hodgkin lymphoma has spread. This is called staging. Staging helps your doctors decide on the best treatment. Radiation therapy (radiotherapy)Radiation therapy (also known as radiotherapy) uses x-rays or gamma rays to destroy or damage cancer cells. A combination of radiation therapy and chemotherapy (chemoradiation) is often used to treat early stage Hodgkin lymphoma. ChemotherapyChemotherapy uses drugs to kill cancer cells or slow their growth. In advanced Hodgkin lymphoma, chemotherapy is the principal treatment. Stem cell transplantYou may have a stem cell transplant if the Hodgkin lymphoma has, or is likely to, return. It may also be offered when the lymphoma has not responded well to other treatments. Palliative careIn some cases of Hodgkin lymphoma, your medical team may talk to you about palliative care. Palliative care aims to improve your quality of life by alleviating symptoms of cancer, without aiming to cure it. As well as slowing the spread of Hodgkin lymphoma, palliative treatment can relieve pain and help manage other symptoms. Treatment may include radiotherapy, chemotherapy or other drug therapies. Treatment TeamDepending on your treatment, your treatment team may consist of a number of different health professionals, such as:
Screening for Hodgkin lymphomaThere is currently no screening for Hodgkin lymphoma available in Australia. Preventing Hodgkin lymphomaThere are no proven measures to prevent lymphoma, however, people with an HIV infection or Epstein-Barr virus have an increased risk of contracting lymphoma. Prognosis for Hodgkin lymphomaPrognosis refers to the expected outcome of a disease. While is it not possible for your doctor to predict the exact course of the disease, you may want to discuss your treatment options and how well you are responding to treatment. Sources
Which is an expected physical examination finding in the adolescent with Hodgkin disease?Common symptoms include enlarged or swollen lymph nodes, chronic fever, night sweats, and unexplained weight loss. Enlarged lymph nodes typically appear in the neck or upper chest, but can also be felt as a lump in the waistline or lower abdomen, armpit, or groin.
What is the main diagnostic feature of Hodgkins disease?The signs and symptoms of Hodgkin lymphoma may include: Painless, swollen lymph nodes in the neck, underarm, or groin. Fever for no known reason. Drenching night sweats (very heavy sweating during sleep)
How do you assess for Hodgkin's lymphoma?A sample of your blood is examined in a lab to understand your general health and look for signs of cancer. Imaging tests. Imaging tests are used to look for signs of Hodgkin's lymphoma in other areas of your body. Tests may include X-ray, CT and positron emission tomography (PET).
What is one common clinical manifestation of Hodgkin's disease?The most common symptom of Hodgkin lymphoma is one or more enlarged (swollen) lymph nodes. The enlarged lymph node may be in the neck, upper chest, armpit, abdomen or groin. The swollen lymph node is usually painless.
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