What is Hodgkin's disease? Know the symptoms, causes and treatment of this rare blood cancer of the lymphatic system.

Hodgkin's Disease: This is a type of rare blood cancer that affects the lymphatic system. The lymphatic system is an important part of our body's immune system, which is helpful in protecting the body from infection. In this disease, abnormal lymphocytes (white blood cells) are formed in the lymph nodes, due to which the body's immunity becomes weak. Its main effect is on the lymph nodes, but the disease can also spread to other parts of the body.

Hodgkin's disease is mainly seen in youth between 15 and 35 years of age and adults over 55 years of age. Its exact cause is not yet known, but in some cases it has been linked to Epstein-Barr virus (EBV). The chances of successful treatment of this disease are very high, especially if it is detected in its early stages and treated at the right time. Let us learn in detail about the symptoms, possible causes and treatment of Hodgkin's disease in this article.

Symptoms of Hodgkin's disease – Hodgkin's Disease Symptoms

1. swollen lymph nodesPainless swelling of the lymph nodes in the neck, armpit or groin can be an early symptom.
2. physical weakness: Constant feeling of fatigue and weakness in the body.
3. fever and night sweats: Persistent fever without any apparent cause and excessive sweating at night.
4. weight loss: Sudden weight loss without any effort.
5. respiratory problems: Cough and difficulty in breathing.
6. itchy skin: Feeling more itching than usual in the body.
7. stomach discomfort: Complaint of stomach pain or swelling.

Causes of Hodgkin's disease – Hodgkin's Disease Causes

The exact cause of Hodgkin's disease is not yet known, but certain factors may increase the risk of developing the disease:

1. Epstein-Barr virus (EBV): People who have been infected with this virus may have an increased risk of Hodgkin's disease.
2. family history: If someone in the family has had lymphoma or cancer, the risk of this disease may increase.
3. weak immunity: HIV infected people or those who have weak immunity are more likely to get this disease.
4. gender based risk: The risk of this disease is higher in men than in women.

Treatment of Hodgkin's disease – Hodgkin's Disease Treatment

The treatment of this disease depends on which stage it is in. The following treatment options may be helpful in managing it:

1. ChemotherapyChemotherapy is used to destroy cancer cells.
2. radiotherapy: In radiotherapy, cancer cells are destroyed by using radiation rays on the lymph nodes.
3. stem cell transplant: If chemotherapy and radiotherapy do not prove effective, then stem cell transplant is resorted to. In this, the patient's healthy stem cells are transplanted.
4. immunotherapy: In some cases, immunotherapy is used, which helps the body's immune system fight cancer cells.

Measures to prevent Hodgkin's disease – Hodgkin's Disease Prevention

There is no concrete way to prevent this disease, but some measures can reduce its risk:

1. healthy lifestyle: A balanced diet and regular exercise strengthens the immune system, which can reduce the risk of cancer.
2. Epstein-Barr virus protection: Take precautions to avoid infection, such as staying away from contact with infected people.
3. Take care of immunity: To keep immunity strong, follow a healthy diet and adequate sleep.
4. cleanliness: To avoid infection, take care of hygiene and maintain cleanliness around you.