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Hodgkin’s lymphoma is a cancer of the lymphatic system, part of the immune system, and mainly affects lymphocytes.
It is characterized by the presence of a particular cell, known as the Reed Sternberg cell.
Causes
The cause of the lymphoma is not yet known; however, the risk increases slightly in some patients with chronic infections, autoimmune diseases such as celiac disease, or rheumatic diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis.
People who have received long chemotherapy sessions for other diseases may also have a higher risk of triggering a lymphoma.
Immune deficiency or deficiency of the immune system inherited or caused by the AIDS virus is also a risk factor in the development of lymphoma. However, there is no specific infectious cause as no substances are known to cause this disease.
Diagnosis
If a lymphoma is suspected, a blood test will be performed to detect any abnormality. This test could indicate an underlying malignant disease in the blood.
Also, a blood cell count is helpful to provide information about the likely behavior of the lymphoma and how the kidneys and liver are functioning.
The diagnosis is confirmed by a biopsy in the lymph gland so that the organization and structure of the cells can be studied.
A combination of the appearance of individual cells, the structure of the lymph gland, and additional information from several studies will show whether the lymphoma is present or whether it is low, intermediate, or high grade.
The lymphoma may occupy only one area in the body (stage 1) or may have spread through the body (up to stage 4). The person’s age, the general medical condition, and whether the lymphoma is low, intermediate, or high grade will determine the patient’s prognosis. Staging is the final step in determining the proper treatment plan, but often the second series of tests are carried out before this happens.
The tests that can be performed include:
* Additional blood tests.
* A lumbar puncture. Fluid is taken from the spine to test if the lymphoma involves the brain or spine.
* A CT scan (computerized axial tomography). A painless radiological procedure where the images of the thorax, abdomen, and other parts of the body are entered into a computer to show a detailed view. A special liquid can be administered before the test to help delineate the abdomen. People usually lie on their backs for about ten minutes during the scan.
Treatment for Hodgkin lymphoma
Some types of lymphoma grow very slowly, and treatment is not necessary for a long time. Each person’s treatment is determined by factors such as age, general health, the type of lymphoma, and whether it has spread to other parts of the body. Other factors considered include the behavior of an enzyme in the blood called lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) and another substance in the blood called beta two microglobulins.
