Hodgkin's disease (also known as Hodgkin's lymphoma) is a characterized by a type of cancer that affects the lymphatic system, which is a part of the body's immune system. The National Cancer Institute reports that in 2009, about 8,510 new cases of Hodgkin's disease emerged in the U.S. In the same year, 1,290 deaths resulted from Hodgkin's disease.
Description
According to an article on Hodgkin's disease by the National Cancer Institute, Hodgkin's disease affects the immune system and proves distinct due to the existence of a type of cell known as the Reed-Sternberg cell. Two main types of Hodgkin disease exist--classical and nodular lymphocyte-predominant Hodgkin lymphoma. In Hodgkin's disease, cells contained in the lymphatic system begin to grow unusually and can spread outside the lymphatic system to other areas. As Hodgkin's disease advances, it begins to compromise the body's capability to fight off infections.
Symptoms
According to the University of Maryland Greenebaum Cancer Center, one of the most familiar symptoms of Hodgkin's disease includes a painless swelling of the lymph nodes. This swelling can occur in the groin, underarm and neck. Some people diagnosed with Hodgkin's disease may experience no symptoms at all. Other symptoms can include, fever, night sweats, increased sensitivity to the effects of alcohol, pain in the lymph nodes after consuming alcohol and unexplained weight loss.
Testing
Since the cancer may or may not be isolated to the lymphatic system, testing may prove necessary in order to properly diagnose the stage of the disease. According to information on Hodgkin's disease by the University of Maryland Greenebaum Cancer Center, in certain cases, a doctor might need to perform an operation called a laparotomy in order to determine the stage of the cancer.
Stages
An article on Hodgkin's disease by the Mayo Clinic reports about the four stages of the disease. The first stage of the disease occurs in one lymph node region or single organ. The second stage means the cancer occurs above or below the diaphragm and is located in two different lymph nodes. The third stage has the cancer above and below the diaphragm. The fourth stage of the disease is the most advanced. The cancer cells are located in several areas of one or more organs and tissues. The cancer can eventually affect the lungs, liver and bones.
Treatment
Treatment of Hodgkin's disease may depend on the stage of the cancer. Other important factors cited by the Mayo Clinic include the amount and location of lymph nodes affected and whether or not the areas above and below the diaphragm are involved. Treatment options include chemotherapy, radiation therapy and if necessary a bone marrow transplant.
