Hodgkin's Lymphoma Treatment in India - Types, Causes, Symptoms and Treatment

Lymphoma is a medical ailment in the form of cancer which damages the lymphatic system, the white blood cells called lymphocytes that work as protection against infections and diseases.

Lymphocytes affected by the disease reproduce faster instead of dying normally to provide space for new cells. Lymphoma starts from and attacks the white blood cells (WBC's) which make up the body's immune system responsible for shielding your body against several germs and infection.

Hodgkin's lymphoma, which is sometimes also called the Hodgkin's disease/Hodgkin Lymphoma/HD, is one of the two types of Lymphoma.

In people suffering from Hodgkin's lymphoma, these white blood cells grow on the abnormal basis, more than they are required by the body, spreading out to the lymphatic system. As the condition worsens, the body becomes less capable of fighting infections.

People within the age bracket of 20-40 years have a greater vulnerability towards Hodgkin's lymphoma, although people above 55 are also a target.

Types of Lymphoma

Hodgkin's lymphoma can be classified as either the classic Hodgkin’s disease or nodular lymphocytic predominant Hodgkin’s lymphoma (NLPHL). The type of HD is based on the types of cells involved in your condition and their behaviour.

1. Hodgkin's Lymphoma:

• Hodgkin lymphoma occurs due to the presence of Reed-Sternberg cells. These cells are nothing but mature B cells that have progressed towards becoming invasive or malignant and are large in size.
• Hodgkin lymphomas develop commonly in the upper part of the body like the neck, chest, or the underarms.
• Hodgkin lymphoma progressed in a very orderly manner, attacks one group of lymph nodes moving to next and is usually diagnosed in the earlier stages.

2. Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma:

• Non-Hodgkin lymphoma gets its cause from B cells or T cells that develop in the lymph nodes along with other organs.
• Non-Hodgkin lymphoma can develop in lymph nodes present through the body as well as normal organs.
• Non-Hodgkin lymphoma is diagnosed at later stages of cancer.

What Causes Lymphoma?

The exact cause of Lymphoma cannot be targeted. However, abnormal cell growth due to mutations in the DNA, present in the cell cause damage leading to cancer cell growth. Because the lymphatic system is present throughout the body, it spreads out easily from the original location to other tissues. There are some risk factors which can trigger the cause for Lymphoma, they are:

• Age: Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma commonly targets people above 60 years of age, while Hodgkin's lymphoma commonly targets people between 20-40, and people over 55.
• Sex: Slightly common in men
• Ethnicity
• Exposure to chemicals and radiation: This may include the harmful nuclear radiation or carcinogenic chemical exposure such are DDT.
• HIV Infection: This infection weakens the immune system of the body.
• Hereditary: If a sibling has Lymphoma, your chance of getting a lymphoma may be high, and even higher for a twin sibling having one.
• Body weight/diet: Obese people are more at risk
• Autoimmune Disease: Your immune system attacks your body's own cells.
• Breast Implants: anaplastic large cell lymphoma can develop in the breast tissue.

Hodgkin's Lymphoma Symptoms

The most common Hodgkin's lymphoma symptoms include the presence of a lump under the skin which is caused due to swelling of the lymph nodes. The lump may not be painful. Here are a few conditions that show the signs of Hodgkin's lymphoma:

• Lymph on the site of the neck, under the armpit or under the groin.
• Fatigue
• Night Sweats
• High fever
• Itchiness in skin
• Drastic weight loss
• A persistent Cough
• Breathing problems
• Chest pain
• High sensitivity post consumption of alcohol.

Hodgkin's Lymphoma Treatment

How a patient undergoes the Hodgkin's Lymphoma Treatment depends on the adversity of lymphoma and govern the Lymphoma treatment. The factors include age, lymphoma stage, size of cancer, and the body part where it has attacked. Here are the commonly practised methods for  Hodgkin's Lymphoma Treatment

1. Biologic Therapy:

You are prescribed a drug treatment that puts in order the immune system which will be stimulated enough to fight the cancer cells in the body. 

2. Antibody Therapy:

Synthetic antibodies discharged into your bloodstream so that the cancer antigens are flushed away. 

3. Chemotherapy:

This Hodgkin's Lymphoma Treatment involves administering aggressive drug and chemicals are given orally or are injected to destroy the lymphoma cells.

4. Radio-immunotherapy:

High impact radioactive dosage is given on the B-cells and T-cells, ultimately destroying them. 

5. Radiation Therapy:

In this Hodgkin's Lymphoma Treatment, a high beam of rays such as X-rays and protons are used to target the lymphoma cancerous cells, and focuses on smaller areas of cancer.

6. Surgery:

The surgery involves the removal of spleen or body organs where the lymphoma can be accessed.

Lymphoma Cancer Treatment

Lymphoma is a cancer of the lymphatic system. The lymphatic system is made up of a series of organs and vessels that carry lymph, a fluid that is made up of white blood cells, proteins, and other materials. Lymphoma is a type of cancer that starts in the cells that make up the lymphatic system.

This system is responsible for the body's defense against diseases and infections. Lymphoma can affect the lymph nodes, spleen, or other parts of the body. For example, it may cause swelling in the legs. Some people may experience painless lymph nodes that don't hurt when touched, but instead, feel hard and swollen.

In order to diagnose lymphoma, doctors will usually run a series of tests to see if the cancer is aggressive or not. It is important to get treatment early because it can help prevent cancer from spreading throughout the body. Doctors will usually use chemotherapy, radiation, and/or surgery to treat lymphoma.

Hodgkin's Lymphoma Treatment Options

Hodgkin's lymphoma treatment options in India are innumerable. The medical expertise of one of the finest cancer specialists teamed with medical facilities and cost-effective treatment in India, make Hodgkin's lymphoma treatment in India a very viable option.

Is lymphoma fatal?

Many people think that lymphoma is fatal cancer and can't be cured. However, it is possible to beat lymphoma with proper treatment. Lymphoma is a cancer of the lymph nodes, which are the organs that produce antibodies. With proper treatment, lymphoma can be cured.

Lymphoma is a type of cancer that starts in the lymph nodes, which are the organs that filter fluid from your blood. Lymphoma can spread to other parts of the body, but it is not usually fatal. Lymphoma is different from leukemia, which is cancer that starts in the bone marrow.

Lymphoma is a cancer of the lymphatic system, a group of vessels that help your body fight infections and help your body fight diseases. This cancer is not fatal, but it can be life-threatening if it spreads to other parts of the body. Lymphoma is typically treated with chemotherapy, radiation therapy, or both.

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