Hodgkin's lymphoma, previously known as Hodgkin's disease, is a group of blood cancers where the proliferation of malignant cells usually initiates in the lymphatic system (the body's germ-fighting immune system). They are categorized as acquired genetic disorders and not present at the time of birth. Instead, they primarily occur due to genetic mutation. While Hodgkin lymphomas are relatively rare than Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma, they’re the most common cancers detected in young adults.

Also Read: Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma: Causes,  Symptoms And Treatment

Recent medical advancements in prognosis and treatment have made Hodgkin’s Lymphoma a treatable disease with patients fully recovering from it, but there is also some risk of recurrence, which is currently under research.
Lymphoma

Types

Hodgkin’s Lymphoma can be categorized into 2 main types:

  • Classic Hodgkin Lymphoma: This is further classified into Nodular sclerosing Hodgkin lymphoma, Mixed cellularity Hodgkin lymphoma, Lymphocyte-rich classic Hodgkin lymphoma and Lymphocyte depleted Hodgkin lymphoma
  • Nodular lymphocyte-predominant Hodgkin lymphoma (NLPHL)

Causes

Although the exact cause of HL is still under research, many studies show that it might happen when there is a certain change in the genetic structure of the white blood cells or lymphocytes. These lymphocytes turn abnormal and grow and divide uncontrollably without perishing on time leading to the accretion of these abnormal cells causing tumorous growths within the lymphatic system. These malignant tumours may eventually break free from the original site and invade healthy tissues and organs.

Also Read: Lymphoma: Causes,  Symptoms And Treatment

Risk Factors

Certain factors that can aggravate the chances of Hodgkin's lymphoma include:

Age: Hodgkin's lymphoma is more commonly diagnosed in people in their 20s and 30s and those over the age of 65

Gender: People who are assigned male at birth are more likely to develop Hodgkin's lymphoma than their female counterpart

Infections: People who are suffering from or have had illnesses caused due the Epstein-Barr virus, such as infectious mononucleosis, are more at risk of developing Hodgkin's lymphoma

Immunity: People who have compromised immunity due to HIV or AIDS have an increased risk of Hodgkin's lymphoma

Family History: Having blood relatives with Hodgkin's lymphoma increases the incidence of developing Hodgkin's lymphoma

Organ Transplant: People who have had any surgery or an organ transplant and are on antirejection medications that suppress their immune system have an increased risk of developing this type of lymphoma

Symptoms

The characteristic signs and symptoms of HL include:

  • Formation of painless, swollen lymph nodes at the neck, armpit or groin area
  • Abdominal pain or swelling
  • Fever without reason
  • Continuous fatigue
  • Difficulty in breathing
  • Severe itching
  • Anaemia
  • Chest pain
  • Night sweats
  • Sudden weight loss
  • Loss Of Appetite
  • General Debility

Diagnosis And Treatment

If you notice any one of the above-mentioned indications,  do confer with a doctor immediately for an early prognosis. The specialized doctor or oncologist first conducts a thorough physical examination by looking for any swollen lymph nodes in the neck, underarm and groin area acknowledges the patient's genetic history and medical history and carries out other diagnostics including:

  • Blood Test (including complete blood count, erythrocyte sedimentation rate and blood chemistry study)
  • Lymph Node Test
  • Bone Marrow Test
  • Imaging techniques like Ultrasound, X-ray, CT, MRI and Positron Emission Tomography (PET).
  • Tests for detecting Hepatitis B and C and HIV
  • Biopsy

Treatment

The treatment options usually depend upon the type and stage of cancer and the physical condition of the patient to bestow the person with a healthy long life. These include:

  • Surgery
  • Bone marrow transplant
  • Radiation Therapy
  • Chemotherapy
  • Immunotherapy
  • Targeted therapy
  • Clinical Trials
  • Palliative care