Hodgkin's Lymphoma Diagnosis

Program Overview. At The Lacks Cancer Center at Saint Mary’s Health Care our cancer treatment programs are increasing hope everyday, thanks to a unique multidisciplinary model of care, which incorporates a staff of progressive physicians and the most innovative technologies available. In addition to this model, we continually review and apply the latest anti-cancer drugs, the newest staging and imaging techniques—such as PET scan technology and the most effective surgical procedures to ensure the best outcomes in the treatment of Hodgkin’s lymphoma.

Lymphatic System Overview. The lymphatic system is the driving force behind the body’s immune system, filtering out unhealthy microorganisms and constantly fighting infection. The bone marrow, spleen, thymus gland and lymph nodes are among key tissues that play an active part in this system. Essentially, the bone marrow - tissue found within bones – produces white blood cells called lymphocytes, which travel to and reside in small pockets of tissue found throughout the body (lymph nodes). Lymphocytes are sent out by the lymph nodes to stalk unwanted bacteria and viruses in the blood. The lymphocytes then surround the unwanted organisms and release fluids that destroy them. They travel back to the lymph nodes, which filter out the newly destroyed “intruders.”

Hodgkin’s Lymphoma Overview. Hodgkin’s lymphoma or Hodgkin's disease is a cancer of the lymph system that systematically spreads from one group of lymph nodes to another. As a prominent form of lymphoma (cancer of the white blood cells), Hodgkin's lymphoma can form in and spread to any part of the body quite readily. Though it can easily travel throughout the body, Hodgkin's lymphoma is now highly curable due to the discovery of an effective combination of chemotherapy drugs.

Risk Factors for adult Hodgkin's lymphoma include:
 

• Being in young or late adulthood
• Being male
• Being infected with the Epstein-Barr virus
• Having a first-degree relative (parent, brother, or sister) with Hodgkin's lymphoma
   

Symptoms. Because Hodgkin’s lymphoma is a disease of the lymph system, the first noticeable symptom is often swelling of the lymph nodes in affected areas. Additional signs and symptoms reflect a weakening immune system and include:
 

• Swollen - yet painless - lymph nodes in areas such as the neck or underarm
• Fever
• Night sweats
• Unexplained weight loss
• Itchy skin
• Fatigue
   

Become part of our multidisciplinary treatment program through a referral from your primary care physician or with a self-referral by calling 1-877-LACKS-MI or 616-685-LACK(S).