Hodgkin's lymphoma is a type of cancer that begins in and affects the lymphatic system, including various symptoms, and multiple underlying causes. The lymphatic system is a part of your body’s germ-fighting immune system. With Hodgkin’s lymphoma, lymphocytes (white blood cells) grow out of control.
Data show the 5-year relative survival rate of people with localized Hodgkin’s lymphoma is 93%. For cancer spreading to other body parts, then the 5-year relative survival rate is 83%. Talk to the most trusted oncologist in Siliguri for extensive cancer treatment, appropriate diagnosis, and management.
Knowing the signs and symptoms of Hodgkin's lymphoma
With Hodgkin’s lymphoma, you may experience:
- Persistent fatigue
- Swelling in the lymph nodes in the neck, groin, or armpit
- Swelling without pain
- Night sweats
- Fever that is unexplained
- Abdominal pain and swelling
- Unintentional weight loss
- Chest pain
- Severe itching
If you experience signs like these, vital to reach out to your healthcare provider, such as a general physician for first aid. Based on your health requirements, your GP may refer you to a specialist for further diagnosis and treatment. Many times health symptoms for multiple diseases are the same. Hence, medical supervision is of immense importance. Consult the most trusted oncologist in Siliguri for Hodgkin's lymphoma care and treatment.
Understanding the cause of Hodgkin’s lymphoma
While medical experts don’t know the definitive cause of Hodgkin’s lymphoma, a number of risk factors have been identified, such as:
- Age– people in their 20s-30s and over the age of 55 are at the risk
- Family history– Having a blood relative with Hodgkin’s lymphoma, especially in a first-degree relative may increase the risk
- Past Epstein-Barr infection -People with illnesses caused by the Epstein-Barr virus, such as infectious mononucleosis, have an increased chance of developing Hodgkin's lymphoma than people who haven't had Epstein-Barr infections
- HIV– HIV infection makes one more likely to get Hodgkin’s lymphoma
- Gender –Men and people with DMAB are more likely to develop it than women and people with DFAB
- Organ transplant - People who had an organ transplant, such as a heart, lung, or kidney transplant need to take antirejection medications that suppress their immune system, which might increase the risk of Hodgkin’s lymphoma
Your healthcare provider may perform a physical examination to look for symptoms associated with Hodgkin lymphoma, such as swollen lymph nodes. Tests required for Hodgkin’s lymphoma include:
- Blood tests, such as a complete blood count, ESR test, blood chemistry study
- Imaging tests like ultrasounds, MRI, CT scans, PET scans
- Tests/diagnosis for Hepatitis B and Hepatitis C detection and extremity
- Lymph node biopsy for tissue sampling
- Tests for HIV detection
Medical care for Hodgkin’s lymphoma includes chemotherapy, immunotherapy, radiation, targeted therapy, bone marrow transplant, etc. Reach out to your healthcare provider upon experiencing signs of Hodgkin’s lymphoma or disease for early detection and optimal healing. Visit the best cancer hospital in Siliguri for proper diagnosis and advanced cancer treatment and management.
