Overview
Adult Hodgkin’s lymphoma is a type of cancer that develops in the lymph system, part of the body's immune system.
The lymph system is made up of the following:
• Lymph: Colorless, watery fluid that travels through the lymph system and carries white blood cells called lymphocytes. Lymphocytes protect the body against infections and the growth of tumors.
• Lymph vessels: A network of thin tubes that collect lymph from different parts of the body and return it to the bloodstream.
• Lymph nodes: Small, bean-shaped structures that filter lymph and store white blood cells that help fight infection and disease. Lymph nodes are located along the network of lymph vessels found throughout the body. Clusters of lymph nodes are found in the underarm, pelvis, neck, abdomen, and groin.
• Spleen: An organ that makes lymphocytes, filters the blood, stores blood cells, and destroys old blood cells. It is located on the left side of the abdomen near the stomach.
• Thymus: An organ in which lymphocytes grow and multiply. The thymus is in the chest behind the breastbone.
• Tonsils: Two small masses of lymph tissue at the back of the throat. The tonsils produce lymphocytes.
• Bone marrow: The soft, spongy tissue in the center of large bones. Bone marrow produces white blood cells, red blood cells, and platelets.
Because lymph tissue is found throughout the body, Hodgkin’s lymphoma can begin in almost any part of the body and spread to almost any tissue or organ in the body.
Lymphomas are divided into two general types: Hodgkin’s lymphoma and non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma. This summary is about the treatment of adult Hodgkin’s lymphoma.
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Source: National Cancer Institute
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Types
There are two main types of Hodgkin’s lymphoma: classical and nodular lymphocyte-predominant.
Most Hodgkin’s lymphomas are the classical type. The classical type is broken down into the following four subtypes:
• Nodular sclerosing Hodgkin’s lymphoma.
• Mixed cellularity Hodgkin’s lymphoma.
• Lymphocyte depletion Hodgkin’s lymphoma.
• Lymphocyte-rich classical Hodgkin’s lymphoma.
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Source: National Cancer Institute
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Symptoms
These and other symptoms may be caused by adult Hodgkin’s lymphoma. Other conditions may cause the same symptoms. Consult a doctor if any of the following problems do not go away:
• Painless, swollen lymph nodes in the neck, underarm, or groin.
• Fever for no known reason.
• Drenching night sweats.
• Weight loss for no known reason.
• Itchy skin.
• Feeling very tired.
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Source: National Cancer Institute
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Treatment
The type of treatment selected will depend upon cancer stage as well as your general health. Three types of treatment are commonly used for Hodgkin’s lymphoma: chemotherapy, radiation, and surgery.
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Source: National Cancer Institute
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