Hodgkin's Lymphomas - Symptoms, causes
Hodgkin’s lymphoma is a cancer that originates in the lymphatic tissue. Lymphatic tissue includes lymph nodes and other blood forming organs of the body. The lymph nodes are small bean shaped organs located in the neck, underarms and groin as well as chest, abdomen and pelvis.
Hodgkin’s lymphoma is characterized by the presence of abnormal cells called Reed-Sternberg cells and other cell features. Hodgkin's Lymphoma or Hodgkin's disease is a cancerous growth of cells in the lymph system.
Hodgkin’s disease can start in any part of the body as lymphatic tissue is present in chest, neck, under arms, and other locations. Lymph nodes make and store infection fighting white blood cells connected in the body by lymph vessels which carry watery, colorless fluid containing lymphocytes. Hodgkin’s disease enlarges the lymphatic tissue which can cause pressure on body organs and spread to other lymph nodes.
Types of Hodgkin's Lymphoma
Nodular sclerosis (NS) is a type of Hodgkin’s disease in which lymph nodes in the lower neck, chest and collar bone usually contain normal and reactive lymphocytes and Reed-Sternberg cells separated by bands of scar-like tissue.
Lymphocyte predominance (LP) occurs when the lymph nodes are composed largely of reactive lymphocytes and malignant L&H cells that have a "popcorn" appearance and very few Reed-Sternberg cells. LP accounts for 5% of Hodgkin's cases and affects men
Mixed cellularity (MC) is a type in which the lymph nodes usually contain Reed-Sternberg and inflammatory cells. MC accounts for 20-30% of Hodgkin's cases.
Lymphocyte depleted (LD) has two variations. One has sheets of differing malignant cells and the other a few Reed-Sternberg cells and lymphocytes with scar-like tissue.
Nodular lymphocyte predominant (NLP) is in a category of its own. Typical Reed-Sternberg cells are rare to non-existent; variants called L & H cells are observed.
Hodgkin's Lymphoma symptoms
- Swelling in lymph nodes particularly in the upper body area
- Lack of energy
- Itching and pain in the lower back area due to lymph nodes pressing against the nerves
- Painful lymph nodes after alcohol consumption
Causes of Hodgkin’s lymphomas
People who have Hodgkin’s lymphomas have a higher rate of infectious mononucleosis as most of the patients show history of Epstein Barr virus infection.
People with reduced immunity can have Hodgkin’s lymphomas. Organ transplant can suppress immune system and cause Hodgkin’s lymphomas and immunodeficiency syndromes. For example, ataxia-telangiectasia can be one of the causes.
Diagnosis
Biopsy can be performed to get a tissue sample and search for the presence of Reed-Sternberg cells. A complete physical examination which includes chest X-ray, CT scans, MRI scans is conducted to determine the spread of the disease in the chest, pelvis and abdomen. PET scan is conducted to find areas of affected cellular activity.
A blood work-up with white and red cell count is carried out along with blood chemistry and abnormal erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) to make the correct diagnosis.
Treatment for Hodgkin's Lymphoma
Radiation and chemotherapy
Radiation is used to destroy cancerous cells with external high energy x-rays or radioactive isotopes. Chemotherapy is the administration of powerful anti-cancer drugs that are carried through the body in the bloodstream. Chemotherapy may be taken either orally or intravenously.
Surgery
In Autologous Bone Marrow Transplant, the patient's own bone marrow is taken out and frozen. Very high doses of chemotherapy are then given to kill the cancer. Afterwards, this bone marrow is returned to the patient’s body to fight the infection.
Another type of autologous transplant is called peripheral blood stem cell transplant (PBSCT). In this procedure, a machine removes the patient's blood little at a time. It removes the stem cells and returns the rest of the blood to the body.
Hodgkin’s lymphoma originates in the lymphatic tissue and includes lymph nodes and other blood forming organs of the body. This disease enlarges the lymphatic tissue which can cause pressure on body organs and spread to other lymph nodes leading to severe complications. It’s better to see a doctor if any swelling is noted in the body
