Hodgkin’s Lymphoma: What Is It?
Hodgkin’s lymphoma is a type of cancer that impacts the body’s lymphatic system. It occurs in lymphocytes—a type of white blood cell that plays a vital role in the body’s immune system. As a result, the patient experiences swollen lymph nodes and other abnormal growth in the body.
This is why the condition can quickly spread to different organs and tissues throughout the body. But what is Hodgkin’s lymphoma, and what do we need to know?
In this blog, we’ll discuss everything you should know. If you need help with cancer medications, access our prescription assistance programs today.
What is Hodgkin’s Lymphoma?
It’s a type of lymphoma that begins in the lymphatic system. This system contains organs, vessels, and nodes and is spread throughout the body. That’s why Hodgkin’s lymphoma can metastasize quickly.
The white blood cells found in the lymphatic system are vital in protecting the body from germs and infections. When Hodgkin’s lymphoma begins in these lymphocytes, they grow abnormally, pushing out healthy white blood cells. As a result, it becomes challenging for your body to fight infections.
Hodgkin’s lymphoma makes up approximately 10% of all lymphoma cases. The remaining are because of non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma.
Types of Hodgkin’s Lymphoma
Classic Hodgkin’s Lymphoma
The types of cells involved mark the difference between the two types of Hodgkin’s lymphoma. As a result, people with classic Hodgkin’s lymphoma have fewer Reed-Sternberg cells in their lymph nodes. Reed-Sternberg cells are large, abnormal lymphocytes that have more than one nucleus.
Most patients with Hodgkin’s lymphoma have classic Hodgkin’s lymphoma (approximately 95%). However, this type is further divided into four sub-types.
- Nodular Sclerosis Hodgkin’s Lymphoma
It’s the most common type of classic Hodgkin’s lymphoma prevalent in children, teenagers, and young adults. This type occurs in the neck or chest lymph nodes.
- Mixed Cellularity Hodgkin’s Lymphoma
This is the second most common type found in people who have contracted HIV. It usually occurs in the upper body lymph nodes.
- Lymphocyte-rich Classic Hodgkin’s Lymphoma
It’s a rare type that is more common in men than in women.
- Lymphocyte-depleted Hodgkin’s Lymphoma
This is the rarest type that occurs mostly in older people and HIV patients. It occurs in the lymph nodes in the spleen, liver, belly, and bone marrow.
Nodular Lymphocytic Predominant Hodgkin’s Lymphoma
This type is rarer than the classic Hodgkin’s lymphoma and makes up approximately 5% of all Hodgkin’s lymphoma cases. It’s also more commonly found in males than females.
Treatment for Hodgkin’s Lymphoma
The treatment depends on the type and stage of the condition. However, your doctor may prescribe any of the following treatments.
- Chemotherapy
- Radiation therapy
- Bone marrow transplant
- Other prescription medicines (steroids, immunotherapy, etc.)
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