Hodgkin's Disease
Lymphoma, better known as Hodgkin's Disease, is a condition
characterized by the presence of Reed-Sternberg cells. In
addition to Hodgkin's, there are many other lymphoma diseases
which are known as Non-Hodkin's lymphoma. Non-Hodgkin lymphoma
incidences become more and more common with age, whereas
Hodkin's lymphoma is common between ages 16 and 35, and over 50.
The most common sign of Hodgkin's lymphoma is swollon lymph
nodes, mainly in the neck. This is not painful, however some of
the other expected symptoms are. These other symptoms are
unexplained weight loss, constant fatigue, itchy skin, low grade
fevers, and night sweats. As these are common symptoms of any
infection, the only accurate diagnosis is through lymph node
biopsy and blood testing.
Unlike Hodgkin's lymphoma, Non-Hodgkin's lymphoma
is a type of cancer. In the united states, 5% of cancer victims
are due to Non-Hodgkin's lymphoma. Signs of this disease are
similar to that of Hodgkin's, with a few differences. As well as
in the neck, swollon lymph nodes are common in the underarm and
groin. And in addition to itchy skin, patients will notice
unexplained red patches.
Non-Hodgkin's lymphoma must be tested for as well, using things
such as X-rays, MRI's, CT scans, PET scans, and Lymphangiogram,
which are pictures of the lymphatic system taken with x-rays
after a dye is injected to differentiate the lymph nodes and
vessels. These tests are due to the simple fact that the
symptoms are common in many other, less critical, conditions.