Lymph.Fluid containing white blood cells, especially those called lymphocytes. Lymph vessels. Thin tubes that carry lymph fluid throughout the body. Lymphocytes.White blood cells that fight infection and disease. Lymph nodes.Bean-shaped organs, found in the underarm, groin, neck, chest, abdomen, and other parts of the body, that act as filters for the lymph fluid as it circulates through the body.
Hodgkin lymphoma causes the cells in the lymphatic system to abnormally reproduce, eventually making the body less able to fight infection and causing the lymph nodes to swell. Hodgkin lymphoma cells can also spread (metastasize) to other organs and tissue. It is a rare disease, accounting for about 4 percent of all cases of childhood cancer in the U.S. Hodgkin lymphoma occurs most often in people between the ages of 15 and 40, and in people over age 55. About 10 percent to 15 percent of cases are found in children and teenagers. The disease, for unknown reasons, affects males more often than females.
The following are the most common symptoms of Hodgkin lymphoma. However, each child may experience symptoms differently. Symptoms may include:
Painless swelling of the lymph nodes in the neck, underarm, groin, and/or chest Difficulty breathing (dyspnea), coughing, or chest paindue to enlarged nodes in the chest Fever Night sweats Tiring easily (fatigue) Weight loss/decreased appetite Itching skin (pruritus) Frequent viral infections (e.g., cold, flu, sinus infection)
The symptoms of Hodgkin lymphoma may resemble other blood disorders or medical problems. Always consult your child's physician for a diagnosis.
Blood and urine tests. X-rays of the chest.A diagnostic test which uses invisible electromagnetic energy beams to produce images of internal tissues, bones, and organs on film. Lymph node biopsy. A sample of tissue is removed from the lymph node and examined under a microscope. A biopsy is needed to confirm the diagnosis of Hodgkin disease and to tell what type it is. Computed tomography scan of the abdomen, chest, and pelvis (also called a CT or CAT scan). A diagnostic imaging procedure that uses a combination of X-rays and computer technology to producehorizontal, or axial,images (often called slices) of the body. A CT scan shows detailed images of any part of the body, including the bones, muscles, fat, and organs. CT scans are more detailed than general X-rays. Bone marrow aspiration and/or biopsy. A procedure that involves taking a small amount of bone marrow fluid (aspiration) and/or solid bone marrow tissue (called a core biopsy), usually from the hip bones, to be examined for the number, size, and maturity of blood cells and/or abnormal cells. This test may be used to see if cancer cells have reached the bone marrow.
Stage I. Usually involves a single lymph node region or organ. Stage II. Involves two or more lymph noderegions on the same side of the body (above or below the diaphragm) or the cancer has spread from one lymph node into a nearby organ. Stage III.Involves lymph node regionson both sides of the body and is further classified depending on the organs and areas involved. Stage IV. Involves wide spread of the disease in other areas outside the lymphatic system (metastasis), in addition to the lymphaticsystem involvement.
Stages are also noted by the presence or absence of certain symptoms of the disease:
Asymptomatic (A). Symptomatic (B). Symptoms include fever, night sweats, or weight loss
For example, stage IIIB is disease that is symptomatic, involves lymph node regionson both sides of the body, and is further classified depending on the organs and areas involved.
Your child's age, overall health, and medical history Extent/stage of the disease Type of Hodgkin disease Your child's tolerance for specific medications, procedures, or therapies Expectations for the course of the disease Your opinion or preference
Chemotherapy Radiation Bone marrow/stem cell transplant Supportive care (for pain, fever, infection, and nausea/vomiting) Continued follow-up care (to determine response to treatment, detect recurrent disease, and manage side effects of treatment)
Aggressive therapy, while increasing long-term survival, also carries some serious side effects. Discuss with your child's physician a complete list of known side effects for treatment plans and therapies.
The extent of the disease. Presence or absence of metastasis. The response to therapy. Age and overall health of the child. Your child's tolerance of specific medications, procedures, or therapies. New developments in treatment.
As with any cancer, prognosis and long-term survival can vary greatly from child to child. Every child is unique and treatment and prognosis are structured around the child. Prompt medical attention and aggressive therapy are important for the best prognosis. Continuous follow-up care is essential for the child diagnosed with Hodgkin lymphoma. Side effects of radiation and chemotherapy, including second cancers, can occur in survivors of Hodgkin lymphoma. New methods are continually being discovered to improve treatment and to decrease side effects.
http://www.carilionclinic.org/Carilion/P02040