Hodgkin's Disease

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Unit 3 Assignment 1: Disorders and Diseases Affecting the Lymphatic System Malorie Thompson Anatomy and Physiology II 10/06/2014 Hodgkin’s lymphoma, formerly known as Hodgkin’s disease, is a cancer of the lymphatic system which is a part of the immune system (Mayo Clinic, 2014). Hodgkin lymphoma generally presents with early clinical stages and indolent clinical behavior (Hartmann et al, 2014). In Hodgkin’s lymphoma, cells in the lymphatic system grow abnormally and may spreads beyond the lymphatic system (Mayo Clinic, 2014). As Hodgkin’s lymphoma progresses, it compromises your body’s ability to fight infection (Mayo Clinic, 2014). Hodgkin’s lymphoma is one of two common types of cancers of the lymphatic system (Mayo Clinic, 2014).…show more content…
The mutation tells the cells to divide rapidly and to continue living when a healthy cell would die (Mayo Clinic, 2014). The mutation causes a large number of oversized, abnormal B cells to accumulate in the lymphatic system, where they crowd out healthy cells and cause the signs and symptoms of Hodgkin’s lymphoma (Mayo Clinic, 2014). Various types of Hodgkin’s lymphoma exists (Mayo Clinic, 2014). The type is based on the types of cells involved in the disease and their behavior (Mayo Clinic.…show more content…
That is why the treatment often causes side effects both short-term and permanent (Elekta, n.d.). Side effects depend on the type of treatment and on the part of the body being treated (Elekta, n.d.). During radiation therapy, patients can become unusually tired as therapy continues (Elekta, n.d.). Resting as much as possible is important (Elekta, n.d.). Skin reactions, such as redness or dryness, in the area being treated are common (Elekta, n.d.). Loss of appetite can be a problem for patients receiving radiation therapy or chemotherapy (Elekta, n.d.). Side effects vary from person to person and may even be different from one treatment to the next (Elekta, n.d.). Patients treated for Hodgkin’s disease have an increased risk of developing other types of cancer later in life, especially leukemia (Elekta, n.d.). Patients should follow their doctor’s recommendations on health care and checkups (Elekta, n.d.). Having regular checkups allows problems to be detected and treated promptly (Elekta, n.d.). When people have cancer, life can change for them and for the people who care about them (Elekta, n.d.). These changes in daily life can be difficult to handle. It’s natural for a person with Hodgkin’s disease to have many different and sometimes confusing emotions (Elekta,

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