Hodgkin Lymphoma
Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Apr 2, 2024.
AMBULATORY CARE:
Hodgkin lymphoma
is a cancer of the lymphatic system. The lymphatic system contains lymph vessels, lymph nodes, and glands. Lymph vessels carry lymph fluid throughout the body. Lymph fluid contains lymphocytes (white blood cells) that help fight infection and disease. Hodgkin lymphoma causes lymphocytes to grow and divide without control and to form tumors. Hodgkin lymphoma can develop in any lymph tissue in the body. Common places are lymph nodes in the neck, underarm, and chest. Cancer cells can travel from lymph node to lymph node and spread through the body.
Common signs and symptoms:
- Swollen lymph node in your neck or underarm
- Fever or night sweats
- Itchy skin, especially after you bathe or drink alcohol
- Weight loss you cannot explain, loss of appetite, or fatigue (being mentally and physically tired)
- A cough, trouble breathing, or chest pain or heaviness
Call your local emergency number (911 in the US) if:
- You have severe chest pain.
- You have more trouble breathing than usual.
Call your oncologist if:
- You have a fever.
- You feel a new lump.
- Your bones or muscles hurt.
- You are vomiting and cannot keep any food or liquids down.
- You have questions or concerns about your condition or care.
Treatment
may include any of the following:
- Chemotherapy is medicine used to treat cancer by killing tumor cells. Chemotherapy may also be used to shrink lymph nodes that contain cancer.
- Radiation therapy uses x-rays or gamma rays to treat cancer. Radiation kills cancer cells and may stop the cancer from spreading. It may be given alone or with chemotherapy.
- A bone marrow transplant is a procedure to replace your bone marrow with healthy marrow. You are usually given bone marrow from a donor. Sometimes your own marrow may be used if it is collected when your cancer is in remission (not active). The bone marrow transplant is given to you in an IV while you are in the hospital.
Treatment options
The following list of medications are related to or used in the treatment of this condition.
Self-care:
- Rest as needed. Return to activities slowly, and do more as you feel stronger.
- Eat a variety of healthy foods. Healthy foods include vegetables, fruit, low-fat dairy products, lean meats, fish, nuts, and whole-grain breads and cereals. You may need to change the foods you eat depending on your treatments and side effects. You may also need to eat more calories than usual. Work with a dietitian to plan the best meals and snacks for you. Ask if you should take vitamins.
- Do not smoke. Nicotine and other chemicals in cigarettes and cigars can cause lung damage. Talk to your healthcare provider if you need help quitting. E-cigarettes and smokeless tobacco still contain nicotine. Ask your provider for information before you use these products.
- Limit or drink alcohol, as directed by your provider. Your skin may itch when you drink alcohol if you have a certain type of Hodgkin lymphoma. Alcohol also increases your risk for dehydration if you are vomiting. If you choose to drink alcohol, limit the number of drinks you have within 24 hours and within 1 week, as directed. A drink of alcohol is 12 ounces of beer, 5 ounces of wine, or 1½ ounces of liquor.
- Avoid people who have a cold or the flu. Also try to stay away from large groups of people to decrease your risk.
Follow up with your oncologist as directed:
You will need to see your oncologist for ongoing treatment. Write down your questions so you remember to ask them during your visits.
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The above information is an educational aid only. It is not intended as medical advice for individual conditions or treatments. Talk to your doctor, nurse or pharmacist before following any medical regimen to see if it is safe and effective for you.
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