Hodgkin's Lymphoma is a Curable Cancer

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Hodgkin’s Lymphoma

According to the National Cancer Center, there were approximately 9,290 new cases of individuals being diagnosed with Hodgkin’s Lymphoma in the United States in 2013 with only 1,180 of those cases resulting in death. It has been said that Hodgkin’s Lymphoma is one of the most curable cancers even in its late stages. Hodgkin’s Lymphoma is classified as being cancer of the B cells in the lymphatic system in which the B cells grow abnormally. Unlike normal B cells, which divide and die off, the diseased B cells do not. Instead, they continue to grow and spread to other areas of the body outside of the lymphatic system. This can compromise the body’s ability to fight infections. Hodgkin’s Lymphoma is typically found in swollen lymph nodes or adenoids in the neck, chest or other body areas.

Hodgkin’s Lymphoma is most often diagnosed in individuals between the ages of 15-35 and in those over the age of 55. Individuals who have been exposed to illnesses caused by the Epstein - Barr virus, such as mononucleosis, are more at risk for developing Hodgkin’s Lymphoma. Males are typically more at risk than females for developing Hodgkin’s Lymphoma. Individuals who have a family history of this disease as well as those with compromised immune systems resulting from HIV/Aids are also at risk for developing this disease. There are many types of Hodgkin’s Lymphoma including: Nodular Sclerosis Hodgkin’s Lymphoma, Mixed Cellularity Hodgkin’s Lymphoma, Lymphocyte-depleted Hodgkin’s Lymphoma but the most common type is Classical Hodgkin’s Lymphoma.

While the exact cause of this particular form of cancer is unknown, a person with Hodgkin’s Lymphoma may exhibit some of the following symptoms: painless swelling of the lymph nodes...

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...k for signs of the cancer returning or any long-term treatment effects.

As with any illness, early detection is critical to effective treatment of Hodgkin’s Lymphoma. One should be in tune with one’s body and its functions. One should be observant of any changes such as swollen lymph nodes that develop without a known cause. Awareness of the signs and symptoms of Hodgkin’s Lymphoma can make early detection and treatment possible.

References

"Hodgkin Lymphoma: MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia." U.S National Library of Medicine. U.S. National Library of Medicine, n.d. Web. 14 Mar. 2014.

"Hodgkin Lymphoma." What You Need To Know About™. National Cancer Institute, n.d. Web. 14 Mar. 2014.

"Hodgkin's Lymphoma." Definition. N.p., n.d. Web. 14 Mar. 2014.

"What Is Hodgkin Disease?" What Is Hodgkin Disease? American Cancer Society, n.d. Web. 14 Mar. 2014.

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