Provide a valuable resource to your clients or customers by linking to this resource page. Just place the following link on your website.
Hodgkin lymphoma is a cancer of the lymphatic system, which is a central part of the body's immune defenses. It begins when a type of white blood cell starts to grow out of control. This cancer is one of the most frequently diagnosed in teenagers and young adults, typically between the ages of 15 and 30.
read more about hodgkin lymphoma in teensyoung adults ...Doctors do not know the exact cause. It is not contagious, and you cannot catch it from someone else. It is also not considered an inherited disease. A past infection with the Epstein-Barr virus (which causes mono) can raise the risk slightly, although most people who have had mono will never develop lymphoma.
The most common symptom is a swollen lymph node that does not hurt. You might notice a painless lump in the neck, armpit, or groin that does not go away. Other symptoms include fevers without a clear cause, heavy night sweats, and unplanned weight loss. Some people also develop a persistent cough or intense itchiness of the skin.
A doctor will ask about your symptoms and do a physical exam to check for swollen nodes. They will order blood tests and imaging scans, like a CT scan or PET scan, to look for the cancer. The only way to be 100% sure is with a biopsy. This is a small procedure where a surgeon removes a swollen lymph node so it can be tested in a lab.
This cancer is very treatable and has a very high cure rate, especially in young people. The main treatments are chemotherapy (medicine that kills cancer cells) and sometimes radiation therapy (high-energy beams). The goal of treatment is to cure the cancer while causing the fewest long-term side effects.
The definitive sign of Hodgkin lymphoma is found under a microscope. Pathologists look for a specific, very large type of cancer cell called a Reed-Sternberg cell. These cells are often described as looking like "owl eyes" because they have two distinct centers. Finding these specific cells confirms that the diagnosis is Hodgkin lymphoma rather than one of the many other types of non-Hodgkin lymphoma.
Yes. For teenagers and young adults, Hodgkin lymphoma is one of the most curable types of cancer. The large majority of patients are cured with their first treatment.
No. It is very, very unlikely. While mono is a known risk factor, it is an extremely common virus, and only a tiny number of people who have had it will ever develop Hodgkin lymphoma.
Yes. The treatment will be a major event in your life and will likely require you to take time off from school or work. A medical team, including social workers, can help you manage these challenges.
You should see a doctor if you find a swollen lymph node or a lump that does not go away after a couple of weeks, especially if it does not hurt. You should also see a doctor if you have unexplained fevers, drenching night sweats, or are losing weight without trying. A doctor can check for any serious problems.