Highlights:

Hodgkin's Disease

Hodgkin's disease is a lymphoma, a cancer of the lymphatic system. Hodgkin's disease and non-Hodgkin's lymphoma are the two types of lymphomas. Hodgkin's disease is distinguished by the presence of large abnormal cells, called Reed-Sternberg cells. The disease is less common than non-Hodgkin's lymphoma.

Hodgkin's disease is classified into two main types:

• Classical Hodgkin's lymphoma, which includes nodular sclerosis and mixed cellularity, the two most common subtypes
• Nodular lymphocyte-predominant Hodgkin's disease, which affects about 5% of patients

Prognosis

Hodgkin's disease is considered one of the most curable forms of cancer, especially if it is diagnosed and treated early. Five-year survival rates for patients diagnosed with stage I or stage II Hodgkin's disease are 90 - 95%. Many patients with late-stage Hodgkin's disease also have good odds for survival.

Risk Factors

Hodgkin's disease occurs most often in people ages 15 - 40 (especially in their 20s), and in people over age 55. About 10 - 15% of Hodgkin's disease cases are diagnosed in children and teenagers. It is slightly more common in males than in females.

Certain types of viral infections may increase the risk of Hodgkin's disease. Infectious mononucleosis, which is caused by the Epstein-Barr virus, is associated with increased risk as is infection with the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV).

Treatment

Chemotherapy and radiation are the main treatments for Hodgkin's disease. Patients who have relapsed may be treated with autologous stem cell transplantation.

Preventing Infection after Cancer Treatment

Both chemotherapy and stem cell transplants increase the risk for serious infections. Patients must take precautions to avoid exposure to germs. Ways to prevent infection include:

• Practice good hygiene, including regular handwashing and dental care (brushing, flossing).
• Avoid crowds, especially during cold and flu season.
• Eat only well-cooked foods (no raw fruits or vegetables).
• Boil tap water before drinking it.
• Do not keep fresh flowers or plants in your house as they may carry mold.