Hodgkin Lymphoma

According to the American Cancer Society website, Non-Hodgkin lymphoma (also known as non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma, Non-Hodgkin’s disease, NHL, or sometimes just lymphoma) is a cancer that starts in the cells of the lymph system, which is part of the body’s immune system.1 It is a type of cancer of the blood that affects the white blood cells, which are usually involved in protecting against infections. NHL is not a single disease, but rather a group of at least 31 closely related cancers that affect the lymphatic system.2 Although the different types of NHL have some things in common, particularly their lymphatic origin, they differ in their appearance under the microscope, their molecular features, their

Thesis Statement: Hodgkin’s Lymphoma, although rare, can be fatal and it is important to be informed on the cause, symptoms, and treatments to further your awareness and provide a better understanding on the dynamics of this disease.

There are at least 30 different entities referred to as non-Hodgkin's lymphomas, and they range from the indolent to the very aggressive. Taken together, the non-Hodgkin's lymphomas are the fifth most common cancers in the United States and the fifth leading cause of death due to cancer 1. More than 356,000 cases are diagnosed annually with Non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL), however, mortality cases are high as well, evaluated as 192,000 2. NHL is defined as a combination of malignancies originating from T- and B-lymphocytes in the lymph nodes 3, 4. The invasion is not only restricted to the lymphatic system but the central nervous system, the skin, the bone marrow and adrenal glands are commonly affected as well 5, 6. Numerous factors are associated with the progression of NHL as organs

Scientists have found a number of risk factors that may influence the probability of someone getting Hodgkin’s disease, but it is still not clear how these factors increase the risk (4). For example, some researchers think that infections with the Epstein-Barr virus may sometimes cause damage to the deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) in the B lymphocytes, which leads to the creation of Reed-Sternberg cells (4). DNA is the set of instructions sent to the genes that dictates cell functions. Some genes are responsible for controlling when cells grow, divide, and die (4). Genes that assist the cells ability to grow, divide, and stay alive are known as oncogenes (4). Genes that slow down cell division or cause cells to die at the proper

Lymphomas are considered malignant nodes. Studies have shown there are two different types of lymphomas; Non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma and Hodgkin’s lymphoma. Both lymphomas are one in the same; the only difference being Non-Hodgkin’s disease first manifestation begins with a large, painless node. Hodgkin’s Lymphoma is categorized by malignant cells found in the lymph nodes. The first common sign is normally a localized lymph node found in the neck region (VanMeter& Huebert, 2014). Later, as the disease progresses it attacks the other nodes and organs via the lymphatic system. The manifestations that are accompanied by Hodgkin’s lymphoma are semi-large painless, but nontender node. Other, later signs and symptoms include frequent infections, due

Non-Hodgkin lymphoma and Hodgkin lymphoma are cancers that start in the lymph tissues, such as the tonsils, lymph nodes, and thymus. These cancers may spread to bone marrow and other organs, which can cause different symptoms depending on where it is growing. Hodgkin’s lymphoma can occur in both children and adults, and accounts for about 4% of childhood cancers. It is more common, though, in two age groups: early adulthood (age 15-40, usually people in their 20s) and late adulthood (after 55). Hodgkin lymphoma is rare in children younger than five years of age. About 10% to 15% of cases are diagnosed in children and teenagers. About 81 out of 100 people diagnosed with non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma are alive one year after the disease is diagnosed. About 63 out of 100 people with the disease are alive at five years, and 49 out of 100 at 10 years (Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma, 2005-2010).

In classic Hodgkin disease, the neoplastic cell is the Reed-Sternberg (RS) cell. Reed-Sternberg cells compose only 1-2% of the total tumor cell mass. The remainder is composed of a variety of reactive, mixed inflammatory cells consisting

What is lymphoma? Many people ask that exact question when pondering lymphoma. Lymphoma is a deadly and life threatening cancer which attacks the lymphatic system. When pondering this idea, people don’t realize the diagnosis and treatment is very in depth and serious. Most people also don’t comprehend that the diagnosis can be complicating because, most of the symptoms that are experienced by adults can mimic common cold and flu symptoms.

Hodgkin’s disease is a type of cancer, and the diagnosing and treatment of cancer has changed greatly over the past 70 years. In 1950, cancer survival rate was very poor, however, the survival rate now has increased due to advancements in technology.

Tumour suppressor genes: In health this family of genes usually act as a counter balance for oncogenesis. It is thought that they may be responsible for repairing gene damage in cells, or are growth inhibitor genes. In Hodgkin’s disease, there are often evidences of mutation in tumour suppressor genes as well as other genes.

Risk factors basically increase an individual probability of forming cancer. Cancer is not cause by risk factors directly; however risk factors usually play a role in the growth of the cancer. There are individuals who have many risk factors, but may not ever come across cancer. Then you have those with no risk factors that form cancer. Regardless, knowing your risk factors can be important in your life and your lifestyle. Talking with a primary care physician can help in making better health choices.

There are approximately 62,000 people around the world that are diagnosed with lymphoma every year. That means about 169 people are diagnosed with lymphoma every day, and some of us aren’t even aware of what lymphoma is. Lymphoma is a blood cancer that takes place when lymphocytes start to behave abnormal. Once the cells become abnormal they stop protecting the body from infections or diseases which cause them to grow without control and form tumors. There are two main types of lymphomas, there is Hodgkin Lymphoma which involves Reed Sternberg cells, giant cells, and Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma, which would be all the ones that don’t involve Reed Sternberg cells.

A 20-year-old female presents to her primary care physician’s office complaining of a lump on the left side of her neck. She first noticed the lump when taking a shower 6 months ago and has been “keeping an eye on it” ever since. The patient states that it is gradually increasing in size and is painless. She has no other medical problems to her knowledge and has been healthy her whole life. Her vital signs are within normal limits, and physical examination shows a solid, nontender mass on the left side of her neck. The mass measures about an inch in diameter. A biopsy is performed and shows the following:

About a year ago in the middle of November, Eliada and Athena Pelechrinis found out that their older sister, Angeliki, was diagnosed with Hodgkin’s Lymphoma.“We were in and out of school, sometimes rushing our way home or to a hospital.” Athena talked about her sister.

The disease that I chose is Nodular Lymphocyte Predominant Hodgkin’s lymphoma (NLPHL), a type of cancer, but specifically a type of Hodgkin’s lymphoma. I have chosen this because a year ago I was battling it. One day I was a normal teenager and the next, I was getting to know the Hematology Oncology clinic that I’d be spending a numerous amount of days in.