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Hodgkin’s Disease Essay

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Hodgkin’s Disease

Cancers arising from the lymph nodes or other sites of lymphoid tissue are broadly termed lymphomas. This group of diseases is divided into Hodgkin’s disease and non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma. In both conditions, there is a replacement of normal lymphatic tissue by collections of abnormal lymphoma cells.

The lymphatic system are a complex network of specialised cells and organs that defend the body against infection. Lymphatic organs include the bone marrow, spleen, thymus gland, lymph nodes, tonsils, adenoids, appendix and clumps of tissue in the small bowel. A function of the lymphatic system is to nurture and mature the B and T-lymphocytes (white blood cells vital to immune function). Cancerous changes can take place …show more content…

In some instances, the nodes may spontaneously increase and decrease in size.

Because Hodgkin’s disease is associated with a defect in the maturation of the lymphocyte, the immune system may be impaired. As such repeated infections may occur. Symptoms

The symptoms of Hodgkin’s disease frequently depend upon the stage of disease. Staging defines the extent to which the disease has spread throughout the body. Moreover, it often determines which treatment(s) will be required.

Hodkins has 4 distinct stages of Hodgkin’s disease, these being stages 1-4. Each stage is further defined as exhibiting either A or B symptoms. These symptoms refer to either the absence of A or presence of B unexplained weight loss in the preceding 6 months, fever greater than 38°C, and or night sweats.

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.

Stage 1.

Stage 1 Hodgkin’s disease affects a single lymph node or lymph node region. The lymph nodes most commonly affected are the nodes in the neck, armpits or groin.

Stage 2.

Stage 2 disease is associated with lymph node involvement in 2 or more regions. However, the nodes must be involved in only one side of the

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