Severe Hodgkin Lymphoma
Severe Hodgkin Lymphoma: Introduction
Hodgkin lymphoma is a type of cancer that develops in the body’s lymphatic system, which is responsible for producing and transporting lymphocytes (white blood cells) that help protect against infection. When abnormal Hodgkin lymphoma cells grow unchecked, they can cause fluid to accumulate and form swollen lymph nodes. Severe forms of Hodgkin lymphoma can spread to other organs, or invade the lymph nodes, beginning in one part of the body and spreading to other areas over time.
Types of Severe Hodgkin Lymphoma
Severe Hodgkin lymphoma is a type of advanced or aggressive disease. It includes three sub-types: classical Hodgkin lymphoma, lymphocyte-predominant Hodgkin lymphoma and nodular lymphocyte-predominant Hodgkin lymphoma.
Signs and Symptoms of Severe Hodgkin Lymphoma
Signs and symptoms of advanced Hodgkin lymphoma are similar to those of other forms of the disease, but they may be more severe. Common symptoms include:
- Enlarged lymph nodes in the neck, armpits or groin
- Fever
- Night sweats
- Fatigue
- Weight loss, especially when not attempting to lose weight
- Itching skin
- Coughing, breathing difficulty or chest pain, if the cancer has spread to the lungs
Diagnosis and Treatment for Severe Hodgkin Lymphoma
When diagnosing severe Hodgkin lymphoma, doctors usually conduct a physical exam, review medical history and order laboratory and imaging tests. Treatment may involve chemotherapy, radiation therapy and/or stem cell transplants. Patients can also receive targeted therapy, immunotherapy and monoclonal antibody therapy.
Side Effects of Treatment for Severe Hodgkin Lymphoma
Common side effects of treatment for severe Hodgkin lymphoma include:
- Fatigue
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Mouth sores
- Hair loss
- Increased risk of infection
Patients may also experience long-term side effects, such as infertility, cognitive issues and an increased risk for other types of cancer.
