Hodgkin’s disease (HD) is a type of lymphoma, which is a blood cancer that starts in the lymphatic system. The lymphatic system helps the immune system get rid of waste and fight infections. HD is also called Hodgkin disease, Hodgkin lymphoma, and Hodgkin’s lymphoma.
What is Hodgkin’s disease?
Hodgkin’s disease (HD) is a type of lymphoma, which is a blood cancer that starts in the lymphatic system. The lymphatic system helps the immune system get rid of waste and fight infections. HD is also called Hodgkin disease, Hodgkin lymphoma, and Hodgkin’s lymphoma.HD originates in white blood cells that help protect you from germs and infections. These white blood cells are called lymphocytes. In people with HD, these cells grow abnormally and spread beyond the lymphatic system. As the disease progresses, it makes it more difficult for your body to fight infections.HD can be either classic Hodgkin’s disease or nodular lymphocytic predominant Hodgkin’s lymphoma (NLPHL). The type of HD is based on the types of cells involved in your condition and their behavior.HD can occur at any age, but it most commonly affects people between ages 15 and 40 and people over age 55.
What are the symptoms of Hodgkin’s disease?
The most common symptom of HD is swelling of the lymph nodes, which causes a lump to form under the skin. This lump usually isn’t painful.
It may form in one or more of the following areas:
- On the side of the neck
- In the armpit
- Around the groin
Other symptoms of HD include:
- night sweats
- itchy skin
- fever
- fatigue
- unintended weight loss
- persistent cough, trouble breathing, chest pain
- pain in the lymph nodes after consuming alcohol
- enlarged spleen
Treatment for HD typically depends on the stage of the disease. The main treatment options are chemotherapy and radiation.
Treatment:
Radiation therapy uses high-energy beams of radiation to destroy cancer cells. Chemotherapy involves the use of medications that can kill cancer cells. Chemotherapy drugs may be given orally or injected through a vein, depending on the specific medication
