Hodgkin's disease has another name - lymphogranulomatosis. It develops in the lymphatic system (part of the body’s immune system). Of all cases of cancer, only one percent.
The main unit of the body is considered to be a cell. To understand this disease, you need to know what the cells are, what happens to them when they become malignant. The body is built from different types of cells, which grow and divide as needed. If the process fails, then this is reflected in the body. Cells can continue to divide when this is no longer needed. This creates unnecessary, additional tissue. It is these tissues that are called the tumor. These tumors, in turn, are benign and malignant.
With lymphogranulomatosis, cells divide incorrectly, quickly and uncontrollably. And since lymphatic tissue is present in most parts of the body, Hodgkin's disease can occur in many places. The disease can take its origin in the lymph node (or group), for example, in the spleen or brain (bone). This type of cancer is spreading rapidly, from one lymph node to another. For example, Hodgkin's disease, which arose in the cervical nodes, goes to the nodes of the clavicle, then to the lymph nodes of the hands, chest, etc.
The causes of Hodgkin's disease are still unknown. It is well known that the disease is not caused by damage, the disease is not infectious (which means it is not transmitted to others). When studying cancer samples, hypothetical conclusions about risk factors were made.
- gender / age - occurs more often in men between 15 and 35 years old;
family predisposition - blood relatives have a much higher risk of developing;
viruses - the Epstein-Barr virus may be the impetus for development.
Hodgkin's disease. Symptoms
- enlarged lymph nodes of the neck, groin;
- fever;
- increased sweating;
- weight is lost;
- itching
However, the presence of such symptoms is not a confirmation of the disease, because they can talk about other diseases. If symptoms persist, consult a doctor. Do not wait for the appearance of pain - in the early stages, it may be absent.
If you suspect Hodgkin's disease, the patient is necessarily referred for examination. The lymph nodes are examined in more detail, a blood test is taken, and internal organs are examined.
Of great importance is given to biopsy (examination of tissue under a microscope).
If suddenly a biopsy shows the presence of the alleged disease, the doctor examines the stage and determines the degree of the disease. It is necessary to find out whether the cancer is spreading and, if so, to which part of the body. Treatment depends on these results.
To determine the stage are considered:
- affected lymph nodes, their number and location;
- whether the disease is outside the lymphatic system, or has managed to spread to the bone marrow.
An additional biopsy of the lymph nodes and tissues may be required.
Treatment
Treatment is planned by a doctor for each patient individually, taking into account the examinations and test results. Treatment depends on the stage of development, symptoms, size of enlarged lymph nodes, age and, of course, the general condition of the patient. If the patient is vaccinated against pneumonia, meningitis or influenza, he must notify the doctor. The treatment involves several different specialists (oncologist, surgeon, etc.). With the disease, radiation therapy, chemotherapy is indicated . Only the doctor will determine if one method or combination will be used. In addition, stem cell transplantation, bone marrow transplantation, and biotherapy are possible.
An adverse reaction to treatment depends on the intensity of the measures taken and the individual characteristics of the patient.