Lymphoma (Hodgkin's and Non-Hodgkin's)

Know More About Hodgkin’s Lymphoma

Hodgkin’s lymphoma is a type of cancer that affects the lymphatic system, a part of the circulatory system involved in transport of nutrients and waste products as from our various organs which is under constant surveillance by our immune system to detect unwanted trafficking of infectious agents during this transport. The lymphatics drain into various collection centres called lymph nodes at various points in our body which tends to swell if there is an infection or a malignancy.

Hodgkin’s lymphoma is a type of blood cancer of the white blood cells called lymphocytes, characterized by the presence of abnormal cells, called Reed-Sternberg cells, in the lymphatic system. It is a cancer with a very high cure rate nearing > 90% in majority of the patients and good prognosis with the current treatment modalities.

Symptoms of Hodgkin’s Lymphoma

Enlarged lymph nodes in the neck, armpits, or groin
Persistent fever
Night sweats
Unexplained weight loss
Fatigue
Itching
Shortness of breath
Chest pain

Causes and Risk Factors of Hodgkin’s Lymphoma

The exact cause of Hodgkin’s lymphoma is not clearly known.

Risk factors include:

Age (15 and 35 years and > 55 years)
Gender (more common in men than women)
Family history
HIV infection
Infection with this virus or chronic immune stimuli..
Weakened immune system

Diagnosis of Hodgkin’s Lymphoma

Physical examination
Blood tests
Biopsy of lymph nodes or other affected tissues is essential and mandatory for the ultimate diagnosis
Imaging tests, such as X-rays, CT scans, or PET scans will be used to know the extent of the cancer spread. Early cancers are highly curable and is essential to know for tapering the chemotherapy and to decide on the number of cycles.
Bone marrow biopsy in select number of cases. May not be essential for diagnosis and can be omitted if Whole body PET-CT can be done.

Treatment of Hodgkin’s Lymphoma

Chemotherapy
Radiation therapy
Stem cell transplantation
Immunotherapy in relapsed refractory patients
Targeted therapy

Preventive Tips against Hodgkin’s Lymphoma and any other malignancies in general

Avoid exposure to chemicals and toxins
Maintain a healthy weight
Exercise regularly
Eat a healthy diet
Protect yourself from infections
Quit alcohol and smoking
Get plenty of rest and manage stress
Stay hydrated

Hodgkin’s lymphoma is a highly curable cancer that affects the lymphatic system, characterized by abnormal B lymphocytes or Reed-Sternberg cells in the lymph nodes. Early diagnosis and appropriate therapies such as chemotherapy, radiation therapy, immunotherapy, or stem cell transplantation can often cure the disease. Seeking prompt medical attention is crucial, and with proper care and support, many people with Hodgkin’s lymphoma can lead healthy lives with regular follow-up.

Ref:

American Cancer Society: Hodgkin Lymphoma: https://www.cancer.org/cancer/hodgkin-lymphoma.html
National Cancer Institute: Hodgkin Lymphoma Treatment (PDQ)–Patient Version:https://www.cancer.gov/types/lymphoma/patient/adult-hodgkin-treatment-pdq
Leukemia & Lymphoma Society: Hodgkin Lymphoma: https://www.lls.org/lymphoma/hodgkin-lymphoma
Mayo Clinic: Hodgkin’s lymphoma: https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/hodgkins-lymphoma/symptoms-causes/syc-20352663
Voltin CA, Goergen H, Baues C, Fuchs M, Mettler J, Kreissl S, Oertl J, Klaeser B, Moccia A, Drzezga A, Engert A, Borchmann P, Dietlein M, Kobe C. Value of bone marrow biopsy in Hodgkin lymphoma patients staged by FDG PET: results from the German Hodgkin Study Group trials HD16, HD17, and HD18. Ann Oncol. 2018 Sep 1;29(9):1926-1931. doi: 10.1093/annonc/mdy250. PMID: 30010775.

Lymphoma is a type of cancer that originates in the lymphatic system, which is part of the body’s immune system. This disease affects lymphocytes, a type of white blood cell crucial for fighting infections. Lymphomas are broadly categorized into two main types: Hodgkin’s Lymphoma and Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma. Both types involve abnormal growth of lymphocytes but differ in their presentation, treatment, and prognosis.

Hodgkin’s Lymphoma

Hodgkin’s Lymphoma (HL) is characterized by the presence of Reed-Sternberg cells, a specific type of abnormal cell. This type of lymphoma is relatively rare compared to Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma and typically presents in lymph nodes, especially in the neck, armpits, or groin.

Symptoms of Hodgkin’s Lymphoma:

Painless swelling of lymph nodes in the neck, armpits, or groin
Persistent fever without an infection
Night sweats
Unexplained weight loss
Itchy skin
Fatigue and general weakness

Diagnosis:

Physical examination to check for swollen lymph nodes
Biopsy of affected lymph nodes to identify Reed-Sternberg cells
Imaging tests such as CT scans or PET scans to determine the extent of the disease

Treatment:

Chemotherapy: The primary treatment for Hodgkin’s Lymphoma, using drugs to kill cancer cells throughout the body.
Radiotherapy: Often used in conjunction with chemotherapy to target specific areas where the lymphoma is present.
Stem cell transplant: May be considered in cases where the lymphoma does not respond to initial treatments.

Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma

Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma (NHL) encompasses a diverse group of lymphomas that do not involve Reed-Sternberg cells. NHL can be classified into various subtypes based on the type of lymphocyte affected and the pattern of disease progression. It can be indolent (slow-growing) or aggressive (fast-growing).

Symptoms of Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma:

Swollen lymph nodes in areas like the neck, armpits, or groin
Abdominal pain or swelling if the lymphoma involves the stomach or intestines
Fever and night sweats
Unexplained weight loss
Fatigue and weakness

Diagnosis:

Physical examination to identify swollen lymph nodes or other signs of lymphoma
Biopsy to confirm the presence of abnormal lymphocytes
Blood tests and bone marrow biopsy to assess the extent of the disease
Imaging tests like CT scans, PET scans, or MRI to locate the disease and determine its stage

Treatment:

Chemotherapy: Commonly used to kill cancer cells throughout the body.
Targeted therapy: Medications designed to target specific abnormalities in cancer cells.
Immunotherapy: Uses the body’s own immune system to fight the lymphoma.
Radiotherapy: Used to target specific areas of lymphoma, particularly in localized cases.
Stem cell transplant: May be used for aggressive types of NHL or when other treatments have not been effective.

Lymphoma (Hodgkin's and Non-Hodgkin's)

Hodgkin’s Lymphoma

Symptoms of Hodgkin’s Lymphoma:

Diagnosis:

Treatment:

Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma

Symptoms of Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma:

Diagnosis:

Treatment:

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