Diagnosis of Hodgkins Lymphoma
Hodgkins Lymphoma is differentiated from other cancers by the presence of Reed-Sternberg cells. This is usually detected through a biopsy. In addition, Hodgkins symptoms, including painful swelling in lymph nodes areas, recurrent fevers and night sweats, weight loss, and itchy skin, can also lead to its diagnosis.
Chemotherapy
One treatment option for Hodgkins Lymphoma is chemotherapy. This is designed to kill cancer cells in affected areas and shrink tumors. Chemotherapy usually lasts from 4 to 6 months. Its effectiveness can be assessed through further biopsies, CT scans, and/or MRIs. Usually, chemotherapy will kill the cancerous cells.
Radiotherapy
Radiotherapy treatment involves focusing high-energy beams of radiation directly onto the cancerous areas of the body. It's expected to kill cancer cells or stop them from growing and spreading. It is sometimes used in combination with chemotherapy. To assess its effectiveness, doctors will run tests such as biopsies, CT scans and/or MRIs. Radiotherapy, sometimes in combination with chemotherapy, usually kills the cancerous cells.
Stem Cell Transplant
Another option for Hodgkins Lymphoma treatment is a stem cell transplant. This is not often used, as chemotherapy and/or radiotherapy is usually effective. A stem cell transplant uses high doses of chemotherapy and sometimes radiotherapy to kill abnormal cells, but it also kills healthy stem cells. Then, healthy stem cells are transplanted into the patient to create normal blood cells. If chemotherapy and radiotherapy do not work, this treatment usually will be effective.
Prognosis of Hodgkins Lymphoma Treatment
Hodgkins Lymphoma is one of the most curable types of cancer and usually responds well to treatment, whether the patient is in Stage 1 or Stage 4 of the disease. For those in Stages 1 to 3, 80 percent will be cured. For patients in Stage 4 of the disease, 60 percent can expect a full recovery.
Tags: Hodgkins Lymphoma, cancerous cells, biopsies scans, biopsies scans MRIs, cancer cells