Lymphoma-Hodgkin Disease
Lymphoma is a cancer of a part of the immune system called the lymphatic system. There are many types of lymphoma. One is called Hodgkin disease, and the rest are called non-Hodgkin lymphoma. Hodgkin disease is a type of lymphoma. Lymphoma is a cancer of lymph tissue found in the lymph nodes, spleen, liver, and bone marrow. One of the first Hodgkin disease symptoms to look out for is often an enlarged lymph node. The disease can spread to nearby lymph nodes, and later it may spread to the lungs, liver, or bone marrow. Hodgkin disease is rare, and the cause is unknown.
Symptoms
- Painless swelling of the lymph nodes in the neck, armpits, or groin
- Fever and chills
- Night sweats
- Weight loss
- Loss of appetite
- Itchy skin
There are six types of Hodgkin lymphoma that are divided into two classifications: classical Hodgkin lymphoma (accounts for about 95% of all cases) and lymphocyte-predominant Hodgkin lymphoma. The type of Hodgkin a person has may affect treatment plans.
Below are the six types in their respective classifications:
Classical Hodgkin Lymphoma
- Nodular Sclerosis
- Mixed Cellularity
- Lymphocyte Depletion
- Lymphocyte-Rich
Lymphocyte-Predominant Hodgkin Lymphoma
- Nodular Lymphocyte Predominant
- Diffuse Lymphocyte Predominant
Hodgkin disease can be diagnosed with a biopsy. This involves surgically removing a piece of tissue and examining it under a microscope for further testing. Treatment options vary depending on the stage of the cancer and how much it has spread; however, they often include radiation therapy or chemotherapy.
Asbestos Exposure and Hodgkin Disease
As with most cancers including mesothelioma, the earlier the disease is diagnosed, the more effective the treatments; however, unlike asbestos-related mesothelioma, in most cases Hodgkin disease can be cured.
There is no known cause of Hodgkin disease, but scientists do know that certain risk factors are linked to the disease. One 1982 study saw a relationship between asbestos exposure and lymphoma. The study linked a surplus of large cell lymphomas primary to the gastrointestinal tract and oral cavity with participants exposed to asbestos. Numerous other studies have noted a link between asbestos exposure and lymphoma, but most deal with the link to non-Hodgkin lymphoma.
