Medically Reviewed by: Dr. Bautista
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Updated on: November 16, 2019
About Hodgkin Lymphoma
Hodgkin lymphoma, also known simply as Hodgkin’s disease, is a cancer affecting your lymphatic system, a part of your immune system. With Hodgkin lymphoma, lymph cells grow into abnormal cancer cells, resulting in the formation of tumors and potential spread to other parts of the body. This is just one of two common forms of cancer affecting the lymphatic system. Non-Hodgkin lymphoma is far more common. Types of classic Hodgkin lymphoma include:
- Chronic lymphocytic leukemia
- Cutaneous T-cell lymphoma
- Cutaneous B-cell lymphoma
Nodular lymphocyte-predominant Hodgkin lymphoma is a rarer type of this lymphoma.
Hodgkin lymphoma is more commonly diagnosed in people between the ages of 20 and 40 and those over the age of 55. However, this cancer can affect anyone of any age. The proliferation of cancer cells in this disease is the target of ongoing research and treatment efforts. Significant progress in the medical field has been made in identifying the unique characteristics of lymphoma cells, leading to more accurate diagnoses and personalized treatment plans. These advances have notably improved the outlook for those diagnosed with Hodgkin lymphoma, turning a fatal disease into one that many patients can survive, thanks to the relentless pursuit of innovation in cancer care and research. If you’re at risk for developing this cancer, explore other lymphoma treatments, such as CNS lymphoma treatment.
Causes and Risk Factors
The exact causes of the genetic mutations causing Hodgkin lymphoma remain unknown. These mutations in lymphocytes, which include T cells and cells associated with B cell lymphoma, lead to rapid cell growth and tumor development that can spread throughout the body. Unraveling this mystery is at the heart of cancer care, as understanding the mutation’s origins is key to advancing treatment strategies and improving patient outcomes. Efforts continue to target these immune cells to manage the disease effectively and protect the body’s vital defense systems.
There are not many known risk factors for Hodgkin lymphoma. The Epstein-Barr virus, which causes infectious mononucleosis, may contribute to an increased risk of developing Hodgkin lymphoma. About 1 in 1,000 people who have had mono may develop Hodgkin lymphoma, which still makes for an increasingly small risk.
The risk of Hodgkin lymphoma is also higher in those infected with HIV and in others who have a compromised immune system. Additionally, family history of Hodgkin lymphoma increases the risk of developing this cancer, particularly among siblings and identical twins, pointing to a genetic link in the disease’s emergence. However, this hereditary trend differs from non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma, which doesn’t show as strong a familial pattern.
Early Detection, Diagnosis, and Staging
The most common signs and symptoms of Hodgkin lymphoma include:
- Swelling in the neck, groin, or armpits
- An increased sensitivity to alcohol (pain in the lymph nodes following alcohol consumption)
- Sudden weight loss
- Severe itching
- Fever
- Night sweats
- Persistent exhaustion and fatigue
Diagnosing Hodgkin lymphoma usually starts with a physical exam to identify swollen lymph nodes and a swollen liver or spleen. From there, the doctor may take a blood test or imaging tests to identify lymphoma cancer. Your doctor may also recommend a lymph node biopsy or bone marrow biopsy, which can confirm Hodgkin lymphoma.
Following a Hodgkin lymphoma-positive diagnosis, the doctor will proceed to the staging process. Understanding the cancer’s stage helps to determine a prognosis and develop a treatment plan. Stages range from I to IV with higher stages showing that the cancer has spread to other parts of the body. The stage is also labeled with A or B. A designates that you have not experienced any significant symptoms as a result of the cancer. B indicates symptoms like fever, night sweats, and sudden weight loss.
About Alternative and Natural Treatments for Hodgkin Lymphoma
Many people don’t realize there are other options for Cancer treatment besides chemotherapy and radiation therapy. Unlike these options, alternative cancer treatment works with your body instead of against it to fight off cancer and does not cause nasty side effects such as a weakened immune system, rehabilitation, and general physical exhaustion. If you are looking for alternative treatment for Hodgkin Lymphoma, for either you or your loved one, look to Immunity Therapy Center. At Immunity Therapy Center, you can find a wide range of alternative, natural therapies for Hodgkin lymphoma. We work with you to develop a customized treatment plan that is tailored to your specific health needs. To learn more or to receive your own custom treatment plan, contact us today. We want to help you, or your loved one, fight this disease!
Sources:
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At Immunity Therapy Center, our goal is to provide objective, updated, and research-based information on all health-related topics. This article is based on scientific research and/or other scientific articles. All information has been fact-checked and reviewed by Dr. Carlos Bautista, a Board Certified Medical Doctor at Immunity Therapy Center. All information published on the site must undergo an extensive review process to ensure accuracy. This article contains trusted sources with all references hyperlinked for the reader's visibility.
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