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 This information is provided by an independent source. Merck & Co., Inc. is not responsible for this content. Please discuss any and all treatment options with your healthcare professional. The manufacturer of a product generally has the most complete information about that product.
Hodgkin’s lymphomaDefinitionHodgkin's lymphoma is a cancer of lymph tissue found in the lymph nodes, spleen, liver, bone marrow, and other sites. Alternative NamesLymphoma - Hodgkin's; Hodgkin's disease; Cancer - Hodgkin's lymphoma CausesThe first sign of this cancer is often an enlarged lymph node which appears without a known cause. The disease can spread to nearby lymph nodes. Later it may spread to the spleen, liver, bone marrow, or other organs. The cause is not known. Hodgkin's lymphoma is most common among people ages 15 - 35 and 50 - 70. Infection with the Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) is thought to contribute to most cases. Symptoms
Other symptoms that may occur with this disease:
Exams and TestsThe disease may be diagnosed after:
A staging evaluation (tumor staging) may be done to determine how far the disease has spread. The following procedures may be done:
In some cases, abdominal surgery to take a piece of the liver and remove the spleen may be needed. However, because the other tests are now so good at detecting the spread of Hodgkin's lymphoma, this surgery is usually unnecessary. Hodgkin's lymphoma may change the results of the following tests:
TreatmentThis version of the Encyclopedia has no treatment information. Please discuss any and all treatment options for your condition with your healthcare professional. Support GroupsYou can often ease the stress of illness by joining a support group of people who share common experiences and problems. See cancer - support group. Outlook (Prognosis)With the right treatment, more than 80% of people with stage I or II Hodgkin's lymphoma survive for at least 10 years. If the disease has spread, the treatment is more intense and the 5-year survival rate is about 60%. Possible Complications
Chemotherapy can cause low blood cell counts, which can lead to an increased risk of bleeding, infection, and anemia. To minimize bleeding, apply ice and pressure to any external bleeding. Use a soft toothbrush and electric razor for personal hygiene. Infection should always be taken seriously during cancer treatment. Contact your doctor immediately if you develop fever or other signs of infection. Planning daily activities with scheduled rest periods may help prevent fatigue associated with anemia. When to Contact a Medical ProfessionalCall your health care provider if:
ReferencesConnors JM. Hodgkin's lymphoma. In: Goldman L, Ausiello D, eds. Cecil Medicine. 23rd ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Saunders Elsevier; 2007:chap 197. National Cancer Institute. Adult Hodgkin lymphoma treatment (PDQ). 2009. Accessed February 25, 2009.
Review Date:
3/2/2009 Reviewed By: David C. Dugdale, III, MD, Professor of Medicine, Division of General Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Washington School of Medicine; and Yi-Bin Chen, MD, Leukemia/Bone Marrow Transplant Program, Massachusetts General Hospital. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc. The information provided herein should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed medical professional should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Call 911 for all medical emergencies. Links to other sites are provided for information only -- they do not constitute endorsements of those other sites. © 1997-
A.D.A.M., Inc. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited. 
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