Hodgkins Disease (cont.)
In this Article
- Hodgkin's lymphoma facts*
- What is Hodgkin's lymphoma?
- What are Hodgkin's lymphoma causes and risk factors?
- What are Hodgkin's lymphoma symptoms and signs?
- How is Hodgkin's lymphoma diagnosed?
- How is the staging determined for Hodgkin's lymphoma?
- What is the treatment for Hodgkin's lymphoma?
- Chemotherapy for Hodgkin's lymphoma
- Radiation therapy for Hodgkin's lymphoma
- Stem cell transplantation for Hodgkin's lymphoma
- How do people get a second opinion for Hodgkin's lymphoma?
- Nutrition during cancer treatment
- What happens after treatment for Hodgkin's lymphoma?
- What other support is available for cancer patients?
- Clinical trials for Hodgkin's lymphoma
- Find a local Oncologist in your town
Doctors seldom know why one person develops Hodgkin lymphoma and another does not. But research shows that certain risk factors increase the chance that a person will develop this disease.
The risk factors for Hodgkin lymphoma include the following:
- Certain viruses: Having an infection with the Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) or the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) may increase the risk of developing Hodgkin lymphoma. However, lymphoma is not contagious. You can't catch lymphoma from another person.
- Weakened immune system: The risk of developing Hodgkin lymphoma may be increased by having a weakened immune system (such as from an inherited condition or certain drugs used after an organ transplant).
- Age: Hodgkin lymphoma is most common among teens and adults aged
15 to 35 years and adults aged 55 years and older.
- Family history: Family members, especially brothers and sisters, of a person with Hodgkin lymphoma or other lymphomas may have an increased chance of developing this disease.
Having one or more risk factors does not mean that a person will develop Hodgkin lymphoma. Most people who have risk factors never develop cancer.
Hodgkin lymphoma can cause many symptoms:
- Swollen lymph nodes (that do not hurt) in the neck, underarms, or groin
- Becoming more sensitive to the effects of alcohol or having painful lymph nodes after drinking alcohol
- Weight loss for no known reason
- Fever that does not go away
- Soaking night sweats
- Itchy skin
- Coughing, trouble breathing, or chest pain
- Weakness and tiredness that don't go away
Most often, these symptoms are not due to cancer. Infections or other health problems may also cause these symptoms. Anyone with symptoms that last more than 2 weeks should see a doctor so that problems can be diagnosed and treated.
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