What is Hodgkin’s disease?
Hodgkin’s disease is a form of cancer of the lymphatic system. There is an unusual increase of a certain kind of white blood cell (lymphocytes). It is represented by the appearance of particular abnormal cells (Sternberg cells). This is the difference between Hodgkin’s lymphoma and all other lymphomas that are called "non-Hodgkin’s lymphomas".
In the case of Hodgkin’s disease, the proliferation of abnormal cells leads to increased lymph node volume. Lymphocytes are no longer functioning properly. As a result, the body loses part of its defense system against viruses and bacteria and, as a result, infections occur more easily.
It is likely that the disease initially appears in one place, usually a lymph node, sometimes elsewhere in the lymphatic system: in the spleen, liver or bone marrow.
What are the Causes of this type of lymphoma?
The causes of Hodgkin’s disease remain largely unknown. Heredity apparently plays no decisive role. Hodgkin’s disease, like all other types of cancer, is not contagious.
What are the Symptoms?
Swollen lymph node(s): the first sign of Hodgkin’s disease is an easily palpable swelling of one or more lymph nodes in the neck, armpit or, more rarely, groin. Usually, these swellings are not painful.
Swelling of the lymph nodes between the two lungs (mediastinum) is also possible. This can lead to symptoms such as, for example, a feeling of oppression or pain in the area of the sternum.
Swelling of the lymph nodes may also be due to other causes, such as infection. In this case, it often resolves spontaneously after a period of time. When such swelling persists for more than a month, it is necessary to consult your doctor.
Hodgkin’s disease is sometimes associated with one or more of the following symptoms:
- Alternation between periods of fever and normal temperature.
- Weight loss or lack of appetite.
- Fatigue for no apparent reason.
- Abundant sweating, especially at night.
- Itching all over the body.
In some patients, symptoms appear at the beginning of the disease. In others, they only show up later, if ever, and swelling of the lymph nodes is therefore the only abnormality found.
However, the symptoms mentioned may also appear while no swelling of a lymph node is palpable. None of these abnormalities are automatically indicative of Hodgkin lymphoma. For example, fever, high fatigue and heavy sweating can occur during a flu. But if these symptoms persist, it is necessary to be examined by a doctor.
Treatments of Hodgkin’s disease
Chemotherapy
Patients with this disease usually receive several chemotherapy treatments. Treatment usually takes 12 to 24 weeks.
Radiation therapy
Chemotherapy is often followed by radiation therapy where the disease is present.
Transplant
In some cases, a stem cell transplant from the bone marrow is also used.
4,000 new cases per year in Turkey & Istanbul
The patients who are likely to benefit from the treatments of Hodgkin’s disease in Turkey, Istanbul, Ankara, Izmir, & Antalya should be assured that affordable prices are provided by Turquie santé.
In Turkey & Istanbul, Hodgkin’s lymphoma has less than 4,000 new cases per year, mainly young adults (20-30 years) and those over 60 years of age.
