Lymphoma Definition, Reason, Symptoms, Treatment & Prevention
Understanding
Hodgkin lymphoma is a type of lymphoma, which is a cancer that attacks the lymph nodes (KGB). This type of lymphoma can affect both children and adults, and people with HIV / AIDS are prone to it.
There are two types of Hodgkin lymphoma, namely the classical type and the nodular lymphocyte type. Most cases of Hodgkin’s lymphoma are of the classic type.
Symptom
Similar to the symptoms of lymphoma in general, the symptoms of Hodgkin’s lymphoma include:
- Painless enlarged lymph nodes, especially in the neck, armpits, or groin
- Prolonged fever for no apparent reason
- Excessive sweating at night
- Easily tired
- Body looks thinner
- Itching on the skin
Reason
Like most other cancers, the exact cause of Hodgkin’s lymphoma is not clear. However, there are several conditions that make a person more susceptible to this disease, namely:
- Male gender
- Have a history of infection with the Epstein-Barr virus
- Have a family history of Hodgkin’s lymphoma
Diagnosis
To determine the diagnosis of Hodgkin’s lymphoma, in the early stages the doctor will do a physical examination by feeling all the KGB to see if there are KGB that are enlarged. In addition, routine blood tests, such as checking hemoglobin, white blood cells, and platelets are also carried out.
If there is suspicion towards Hodgkin’s lymphoma, the doctor will ask the patient to have a lymph node biopsy done surgically. During a biopsy, part or all of the lymph nodes at a certain location will be taken for examination of anatomic pathology with a microscope.
Hodgkin’s lymphoma is characterized by the presence of lymphocyte cells (a type of white blood cell) in the lymph nodes, which are much larger than normal, called Reed-Sternberg cells.
In addition to a biopsy, a pathological examination called immunophenotyping is often needed to ensure that the patient really has Hodgkin’s lymphoma.
Treatment
Hodgkin’s lymphoma treatment depends on the age of the sufferer, the stage of the cancer, the type of Hodgkin’s lymphoma, and their overall health condition. But in general, the type of treatment that is done is with chemotherapy, radiotherapy (radiation), and surgery.
Chemotherapy can be given by taking medication, injecting chemotherapy drugs into a vein, or injecting chemotherapy drugs into the patient’s brain fluid. Meanwhile, radiotherapy is carried out depending on the stage and location of the KGB that has become malignant.
Prevention
There isn’t much that can be done to prevent Hodgkin’s lymphoma. One of the risk factors for Hodgkin’s lymphoma is having HIV/AIDS. Therefore, by preventing oneself from experiencing HIV/AIDS (not having free sex and not using injecting drugs), the vulnerability to experiencing Hodgkin’s Lymphoma can be reduced.