Hodgkin's disease affects the lymphatic system.
Hodgkin's disease--also called Hodgkin's lymphoma--is a type of lymphoma or cancer of the lymphatic system, which is part of the immune system. This disease often begins in lymph nodes in the upper body. Many patients who receive treatment live for several years after their Hodgkin's disease diagnosis.
Hodgkin's Disease
According to the American Cancer Society, Hodgkin's disease strikes large lymph cells called Hodgkin cells in the lymph system. This disease is named for Dr. Thomas Hodgkin, who discovered this form of cancer in 1832.
Stages
Hodgkin's disease cases are staged according to the degree to which they have spread with early cancer at stage I, intermediate levels of cancer at stages II and III and advanced cancer at stage IV. If the disease is diagnosed in the early stages, the survival rate is better than if it is diagnosed in a later stage.
Survival Rates
Most patients with Hodgkin's disease live for at least five years after their diagnosis, with 90 percent of stage I disease patients living beyond five years and 65 percent of stage IV patients living that long, as reported by the American Cancer Society.
Symptoms
Patients with Hodgkin's disease may develop lumps under the arm, in the groin or in the neck. Fever, night sweats and unexplained weight loss can occur with this disease.
Treatment
Doctors treat most Hodgkin's disease patients with chemotherapy, radiation therapy or a combination of the two therapies.
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