Hodgkin lymphoma

Hodgkin lymphoma is a type of cancer in the lymphatic system. The lymphatic system is part of the immune system and functions to fight disease and infections.

The lymphatic system includes:

• Lymph - Fluid containing lymphocyte cells.
• Lymph vessels - Thin tubes that carry lymph fluid throughout the body.
• Lymphocytes - White blood cells that fight infection and disease.
• Lymph nodes - Bean-shaped organs, found in the underarm, groin, neck, chest, and abdomen, that act as filters for the lymph fluid as it circulates through the body.

Hodgkin lymphoma causes the cells in the lymphatic system to abnormally reproduce, eventually making the body less able to fight infection and cause swelling in the lymph nodes. Hodgkin lymphoma cells can also spread (metastasize) to other organs and tissue.

Hodgkin lymphoma accounts for a small percentage of childhood cancers. Hodgkin lymphoma occurs most often in people between the ages of 15 and 34, and in people over age 55. The disease, for unknown reasons, affects males more than twice as often as females.

What causes Hodgkin lymphoma?

The specific cause of Hodgkin lymphoma is unknown. It is possible that a genetic predisposition and exposure to viral infections may increase the risk for developing Hodgkin lymphoma. There is a slightly increased chance for Hodgkin lymphoma to occur in siblings and cousins of patients.

There has been much investigation into the association of the Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) which causes the infection mononucleosis; as well as with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), which causes acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS). Both of these infectious viruses have been correlated with a greater incidence of children diagnosed with Hodgkin lymphoma, although the direct link is unknown.

There are many individuals, however, who have infections related to EBV and HIV that do not develop Hodgkin disease.

What are the symptoms of Hodgkin lymphoma?

The following are the most common symptoms of Hodgkin lymphoma. However, each child may experience symptoms differently. Symptoms may include:

• Painless swelling of the lymph nodes in neck, underarm, groin, and chest
• Difficulty breathing (dyspnea) due to a enlarged nodes in the chest
• Fever
• Light sweats
• Tiring easily (fatigue)
• Weight loss/decreased appetite
• Itching skin (pruritus)
• Frequent viral infections (i.e., cold, flu, sinus infection)

The symptoms of Hodgkin's lymphoma may resemble other blood disorders or medical problems. Always consult your child's physician for a diagnosis.