Classification of the disease

Hodgkin’s lymphoma is categorized into four major subtypes:

• Nodular sclerosis variant. It is considered the most common variety. It occurs in about seven out of ten cases and affects mostly adolescents and young adults, however, a person of any age can get the disease. The start of the pathologic process usually occurs in the lymph nodes located on the chest or in the neck area.
• Mixed-cell varieties. Second most common. This variant is diagnosed in four out of ten cases, mostly in patients with HIV. The beginning of the process can come from any lymph node, but most commonly in the upper half of the body.
• A variety with a dominant number of lymphocytes. Not as common as the previous two options. It develops in the upper part of the body and affects only a few lymph nodes.
• Lymphoma with lymphoid depletion. A rare and much more aggressive species compared to other species. Affects most often the elderly or patients who are HIV positive. It is detected mostly already in the late stages.

Symptoms and causes of Hodgkin’s lymphoma

The major manifestations of the disease include:

• painless enlargement of the lymph nodes;
• constant fatigue or weakness;
• an unwarranted rise in temperature;
• sweating;
• shortness of breath;
• lack of appetite and unexplained weight loss.

The exact reasons for the development of the disease are not fully known. Most often the occurrence of the disease is associated with genetic predisposition. The risk factors are:

• toxins, carcinogens, or ionizing radiation;
• infections and viruses;
• HIV;
• therapy aimed at suppressing immunity, e.g. after organ transplantation.

Detection and diagnosis of the disease

A comprehensive examination is an opportunity to determine a specific type of disease with one hundred percent accuracy. This allows you to choose the best therapy for the best result. The main methods of diagnosing the disease include:

• Physical exam. In which the doctor detects enlarged lymph nodes, may find an enlarged liver or spleen.
• Blood work. Gives indirect confirmation of bone marrow damage and organ dysfunction;
• Lymph node biopsy to identify infected lymphocytes and determine the cell types involved in the malignant process.
• Bone marrow aspiration and biopsy necessary to determine the stage of the disease.
• Visualization studies for an educated approach to treatment.

All necessary examinations and tests to determine the disease can be performed directly at MDI Clinic as soon as possible after the doctor’s appointment.

MDI Clinic care – the choice for a healthy life

Specialists of the medical center have a high level of qualification and have everything necessary for timely diagnosis and successful treatment of Hodgkin’s lymphoma. With the help of medical staff, it is possible to cope with problems and get a chance for a calm and measured life without signs of illness.