Hodgkin's Lymphoma

Hodgkin’s lymphoma (a.k.a. Hodgkin’s Disease) is named after its discoverer, Thomas Hodgkin. This disease is characterized by the presence of Reed-Sternberg cells in the body. This type of cell is can be seen under histopathologic studies and are usually found in malignant B-Cells. These malignant B-cells will grow in number, eventually causing a tumor in a lymph node or lymph tissue such as the bone marrow or spleen. Because of this tumor, the affected tissue loses its function, leading to slow deterioration of the body. This disease is noted for is orderly metastasis. If the malignancy started at the lymph nodes located at the neck, the adjacent lymph nodes will be affected one by one; the malignancy will be seen at the lymph nodes located near the collar bone, then at the armpits, and so one.

Hodgkin’s lymphoma peaks occurs mostly in male than in females, with ages ranging from 15-13 years old to above 50. What’s also striking about this condition is that under microscopic studies, there are more normal cells found in the enlarged lymph nodes compared to malignant cells. The cause of this disease still not known; however it has been found that if a twin has it, the other is also at risk of having Hodgkin’s lymphoma. Most Reed-Sternberg cells were also observed to be infected with the Epstein-Barr virus, the infectious agent of mononucleosis. Exposure to Agent Orange and prolonged use of human growth hormone is also accounted as a factor in obtaining Hodgkin’s Lymphoma. Conditions that compromise the immune system such as HIV or AIDS also predispose a person to this disease.

Patients with Hodgkin’s lymphoma usually have these classical signs and symptoms:

Ø Drenching night sweats.  

Ø Sudden and unexplained weight loss 

Ø Enlarged lymph nodes that are characterized as rubbery and painless located at the neck, under arm, and groin 

Ø Feeling of easily getting tired 

Ø Unexplained fever that goes on and off 

Ø Itchiness that is not related to any other skin condition 

When detected early, Hodgkin’s lymphoma shows high survival rate, thereby making it one of the curable forms of cancer known to man. With proper management and therapy, Hodgkin’s lymphoma is still highly curable even at the later stage.