According to the National Cancer Institute, Hodgkin's lymphoma is a cancer which starts in the lymphatic system. Symptoms often include, fatigue, night sweats, weight loss, fever and swollen lymph nodes. Treatments are available and may depend on the subtype of Hodgkin's lymphoma and stage of the disease. Prognosis will also vary depending on the patient's age, overall health and disease stage. However, according to the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society, in about 86 percent of all patients the disease can be cured.
Chemotherapy
Chemotherapy is one the of usual treatments for Hodgkin's lymphoma. Different medications may be given depending on the subtype of the disease. According to the Mayo Clinic, a combination of four different medications is common. Medications often given include adriamycin, dacarbazine, vinblastine and bleomycin. Both short-term and long-term side effects are possible. Short-term effects may include, nausea, fatigue and hair loss. Long-term may include decreased fertility and lung damage.
Radiation
Radiation therapy is another treatment option. Beams of radiation are directed at specific areas of the body, such as an affected lymph node or a tumor. The radiation is used to kill the cancer cells. According to the Mayo Clinic, radiation is often done in combination with other treatments such as chemotherapy. It may also be done during palliative care to reduce tumor size and ease symptoms. Side effects may include, skin sensitivity and fatigue.
Stem cell Transplant
A stem cell transplant may be recommended for recurrent or relapsed Hodgkin's lymphoma. A transplant using a patient's own , referred to as a autologous transplant, may be done. The stem cells are removed from the patient and frozen. Chemotherapy is given to kill cancer cells. The patient's stem cells are then transplanted back in his body. Side effects are possible and may include, nausea, mouth sores and decreased ability to fight infection.
Clinical Trials
If standard chemotherapy protocols for Hodgkin's lymphoma don't work, clinical trials may be a treatment option. Clinical trials use medications and other treatments which are still in the research stage. Patients must meet certain requirements to enter into a clinical trial. Requirements vary with each trial. Clinical trials can be found through a patient's physician or through the National Cancer Institute's website.
Considerations
Different treatments may be used for children and pregnant women who have Hodgkin's lymphoma, according to the Institute. Children's treatment will depend on the age of the child and stage of the disease. Depending on the stage of the cancer, pregnant women may choose to delay treatment until the fetus has developed more. Radiation therapy may be avoided during pregnancy because of possible harmful effects on the fetus. Steroids are also sometimes a treatment option for pregnant women. The steroids may slow cancer cell growth. They also aid in the lung development of the fetus, which may allow for an earlier delivery.
Tags: Hodgkin lymphoma, Cancer Institute, National Cancer, National Cancer Institute, pregnant women, stem cells