Hodgkin’s disease
Hodgkin’s disease is a type of lymphoma, which refers to blood cancer that affects lymphocytes (a type of white blood cell), forming tumours. This disease is more frequent in young adults between the ages of 15 to 35, and sometimes after 55 years of age. Hodgkin’s disease accounts for a little less than 1% of all cancers worldwide. In India, this disease occurs mostly in males, with a male to female ratio of 5.5:1. 21% cases of this disease were reportedly marked in children, according to the Tata Memorial Hospital in Mumbai.
Symptoms
Common symptoms include lumps in the neck, under the arm or in the groin where the lymph nodes are located. The lump is due to an enlarged lymph node. The lump may grow larger with the progression of the disease, or a number of lumps might appear. The lump is usually painless. Other symptoms, knows as B symptoms, include:
- Recurring fever without an infection
- Night sweats
- Weight loss (10% in less than 6 months in some cases)
- Itching
- Feeling of exhaustion without any apparent reason
- Loss of appetite
If the above mentions signs and symptoms persist for more than 2 weeks, it is better to schedule an appointment with a doctor.
Causes and Risk Factors
Like most cancers, the exact cause of Hodgkin’s disease is not known, although it is caused by mutation in B Lymphocytes, a type White Blood Cell’s DNA. The mutation causes the white blood cells to grow uncontrollably. There are a number of risk factors associated with the disease, like:
- Having medical conditions that tend to weaken the immune system (HIV, for example)
- Taking treatment that weakens the immune system
- Being overweight (more probable in females)
Treatment and Management
Treatment options will depend upon the type and stage of the disease, and patient’s preferences. Here are the treatments:
- Chemotherapy – Drug treatment that will be used to kill lymphoma affected cells
- Radiation – Usage of high-energy beams, such as X-rays to kill cancer cells
- Stem Cell Transplant – Replacement of diseased bone marrow with healthy stem cells
Cost / Estimate of Treatment
To know more about the cancer specialists, Hodgkin’s Lymphoma treatment and the associated cost of treatment please share your request and reports at contact@parashospitals.com
