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Conditions InDepth: Hodgkins Disease by Debra Wood, RN

Hodgkins disease, also referred to as Hodgkins lymphoma, is a cancer of the lymphatic system. The lymphatic system helps protect the body against infection and disease. It is a network of lymph vessels and small structures that are called lymph nodes. Lymph nodes are located throughout the body.

The Lymphatic Organs

Hodgkins disease is a specific form of lymphomathat involves T-cells. Lymphoma occurs when lymph cells divide without control or order. If cells keep dividing uncontrollably, a mass of tissue forms called a growth or tumor. The term cancer refers to malignant tumors, which can invade nearby tissues and can spread to other parts of the body. A benign tumor does not invade or spread.

The cause of Hodgkins lymphoma remains unknown. Hodgkins disease usually starts in lymph nodes or lymphatic tissue and has the potential to spread throughout the body.

Hodgkins lymphoma is one of the most curable types of cancer.

What are the risk factors for Hodgkins disease? | What are the symptoms of Hodgkins disease? | How is Hodgkins disease diagnosed? | What are the treatments for Hodgkins disease? | Are there screening tests for Hodgkins disease? | How can I reduce my risk of Hodgkins disease? | What questions should I ask my doctor? | What is it like to live with Hodgkins disease? | Where can I get more information about Hodgkins disease?

References:

Hodgkin lymphoma. National Cancer Institute website. Available at: http://www.cancer.gov/cancertopics/types/hodgkin. Accessed April 5, 2013.
Hodgkin lymphoma. The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society website. Available at: http://www.lls.org/#/diseaseinformation/lymphoma/hodgkinlymphoma. Accessed April 5, 2013.

Last reviewed April 2013 by Mohei Abouzied, MD; Michael Woods, MD

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Conditions InDepth: Hodgkins Disease by Debra Wood, RN

The Lymphatic Organs

References:

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