Hodgkin's Lymphoma is a type of lymphoma that usually arises from the lymphocytes found within the lymph nodes. A cancer of the immune system that is marked by the presence of a type of cell called the Reed-Sternberg cell. Lymphoma is a general term for cancers that develop in the lymphatic system. The lymphatic system is the system in the body that is responsible for fighting off infections and keeping you healthy. Hodgkin's Lymphoma can affect the lymph nodes, spleen, bone marrow, and other internal organs. Advances in diagnosis and treatment of Hodgkin's lymphoma have helped to make this once uniformly fatal disease highly treatable, with the potential for full recovery.

Symptoms of Hodgkin's Lymphoma:

• A painless swelling in the lymph nodes in the neck, underarm, or groin

• Persistent fatigue

• Unexplained weight loss

• drenching and/or frequent sweats

• a cough or breathlessness

• Itchy skin

Who gets Hodgkin's Lymphoma?

Hodgkin's Lymphoma is relatively uncommon, occurring in approximately 3 per 100 000 and occurs usually in early adulthood. You can also get Hodgkin's lymphoma in body organs. The organ most commonly affected is the spleen. It can also affect the liver, bone or lung. There can be a second peak with Hodgkin's Lymphoma occurring in older adults, with sex incidence being slightly more common in men. It is much less common than non Hodgkin's lymphoma, which is diagnosed in about 10,500 people each year.

Causes of Hodgkin lymphoma:

Although the cause of Hodgkin lymphoma is unknown, research is going on all the time to find the cause.Some factors can contribute to the development of Hodgkin lymphoma. These include:

• Infection with the Epstein Barr virus (which causes glandular fever) may slightly increase the risk of developing Hodgkin lymphoma later in life.

• Poor immunity: for example, in people who are taking medicines after an organ transplant; in people who have HIV, and some rare medical conditions that reduce immunity

Stages of Hodgkin lymphoma:

he most commonly used staging system for Hodgkin lymphoma is outlined below:

Stage I-Cancerous cells are found in only one lymph node group or one area outside of the lymphatic system.

Stage II-Hodgkin's lymphoma in 2 or more groups of lymph nodes or an organ and 1 or more group of lymph nodes. In both cases, the two sites of lymphoma must be on the same side of the diaphragm.

Stage III-Lymph groups on both sides of the diaphragm are involved. Lymph cells may also have moved to one internal organ, such as the liver or lungs. Cells may also have metastasized to the spleen.

Stage IV-The lymphoma has spread outside the lymph glands to organs such as the liver, bones or lungs.

Which treatment for Hodgkin's lymphoma?

As with other lymphomas, there are a variety of treatments that may be used alone or in combination:

• Chemotherapy

• Steroids

• Radiotherapy

• Combination chemotherapy and radiation

• High dose treatment with bone marrow or stem cell transplant