|
Hodgkins Disease
Hodgkins disease is a type of cancer that starts in the lymphatic
tissue. Lymphatic tissue includes the lymph nodes and other
organs that are part of the lymphatic system, which produces
blood and protects against germs.
Lymph nodes are small organs that make and store white blood
cells, which fight infection. Lymph vessels, which resemble
blood vessels, connect the lymph nodes and carry a fluid containing
white blood cells. Other parts of the lymphatic system include
the spleen, the thymus, and the bone marrow.
Hodgkins disease can start almost anywhere. Hodgkins disease
causes the lymphatic tissue to become enlarged and press on
other organs. The cancer can spread through the lymphatic
vessels, and if Hodgkins disease gets into the blood vessels
it can spread to almost any other place in the body.
In recent years, a lot of progress has been made the treatment
of Hodgkins disease. About 90% of patients are cured with
chemotherapy or radiation therapy.
Hodgkins Disease Symptoms and Diagnosis
The first Hodgkins disease symptom is
usually a painless swelling in the neck, armpits or groin.
Other symptoms of Hodgkin's disease may include night sweats
or unexplained fever, weight loss and tiredness, cough or
breathlessness, persistent itch all over the body. If you
or your child have any of the listed symptoms, you must have
them checked by your doctor. But remember they are common
to many conditions other than Hodgkin's disease and most people
with these symptoms will not have Hodgkin's disease.
Usually you begin by seeing your family doctor (general practitioner)
who will examine you and arrange for you to have any further
tests or X-rays that may be necessary to determine if you
have Hodkin's disease. Your GP will need to refer you to hospital
for these tests and for specialist advice and treatment. A
definite diagnosis is made by removing an enlarged lymph node
or part of it and examining the cells under a microscope.
This is known as a biopsy. It is a very small operation and
is commonly done under general anaesthetic.
Related Materials - Benzene
Hodgkins Disease
|
