Basics of Lymphatic System
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"The lymphatic system is a system of thin tubes and lymph nodes that run throughout the body. These tubes are called lymph vessels or lymphatic vessels. The lymph system is an important part of our immune system. It plays a role in fighting bacteria and other infections and destroying old or abnormal cells, such as cancer cells" (Cancer Research UK Staff, 2014).
"The lymphatic system is similar to the blood circulation. The lymph vessels branch through all parts of the body like the arteries and veins that carry blood. But the lymphatic system tubes are much finer and carry a colorless liquid called lymph. Lymph contains a high number of a type of white blood cells called lymphocytes that fight infection and destroy damaged or abnormal cells" (Cancer Research UK Staff, 2014).
"The lymphatic system is similar to the blood circulation. The lymph vessels branch through all parts of the body like the arteries and veins that carry blood. But the lymphatic system tubes are much finer and carry a colorless liquid called lymph. Lymph contains a high number of a type of white blood cells called lymphocytes that fight infection and destroy damaged or abnormal cells" (Cancer Research UK Staff, 2014).
Hodgkin's Disease
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Hodgkin's lymphoma is a cancer of the lymphatic system, which is part of your immune system.
In Hodgkin's lymphoma, cells in the lymphatic system grow abnormally and may spread beyond the lymphatic system. As Hodgkin's lymphoma progresses, it compromises your body's ability to fight infection.
Hodgkin's lymphoma signs and symptoms may include:
Doctors know that most Hodgkin's lymphoma occurs when an infection-fighting cell called a B cell develops a mutation in its DNA. The mutation tells the cells to divide rapidly and to continue living when a healthy cell would die. 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.
Various types of Hodgkin's lymphoma exist. The type is based on the types of cells involved in your disease and their behavior. Your type determines your treatment options.
(Mayo Clinic Staff, 2015)
In Hodgkin's lymphoma, cells in the lymphatic system grow abnormally and may spread beyond the lymphatic system. As Hodgkin's lymphoma progresses, it compromises your body's ability to fight infection.
Hodgkin's lymphoma signs and symptoms may include:
- Painless swelling of lymph nodes in your neck, armpits or groin
- Persistent fatigue
- Fever and chills
- Night sweats
- Unexplained weight loss — as much as 10 percent or more of your body weight
- Loss of appetite
- Itching
- Increased sensitivity to the effects of alcohol or pain in your lymph nodes after drinking alcohol
Doctors know that most Hodgkin's lymphoma occurs when an infection-fighting cell called a B cell develops a mutation in its DNA. The mutation tells the cells to divide rapidly and to continue living when a healthy cell would die. 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.
Various types of Hodgkin's lymphoma exist. The type is based on the types of cells involved in your disease and their behavior. Your type determines your treatment options.
(Mayo Clinic Staff, 2015)
How Hodgkin's Disease affects the Lymphatic System
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"HL can spread through the bloodstream. This leads to broader dissemination to organs and bone marrow. A few types of Hodgkin lymphoma can extend directly from an involved lymph node into an organ that is touching it. Most HL patients' main first symptom is enlarged lymph nodes. The lymph nodes are painless and have a rubbery consistency. The lymph nodes of the neck are the most common site of diagnosis, the armpit is the second most common area for initial diagnosis, and the groin is third. A small number are initially diagnosed when a large mass is found in the mediastinum in the middle of the chest. The mass is usually a surprise finding when a chest X-ray is done for reasons unrelated to the cancer. Rarely, a mass in the mediastinum is diagnosed because it produces chest pain, cough or shortness of breath. Even more rarely, the disease starts in the abdomen and gets very large, causing abdominal discomfort and pain, especially while the patient is lying down. The bulk of the tumor pressing on the liver or kidney can cause problems. Pathologists have classified HL into five types, which are associated with site of origin and spread. Most patients with nodular lymphocyte-predominant Hodgkin lymphoma present with localized disease in the upper neck. Patients with the lymphocyte depletion subtype usually present with involvement of abdominal lymph nodes. The majority of patients with nodular sclerosis histology have the disease in the chest. Patients with mixed cellularity or lymphocyte deplete subtypes of HL often have HL involving the liver. And the lymphocyte deplete subtype is the kind that most often extends from nodes to adjacent organs. Some patients with Hodgkin lymphoma develop symptoms before swollen or enlarged lymph nodes are discovered. These symptoms are called "B symptoms" and are nonspecific and more consistent with infection instead of a malignant disease. They include fever (of more than 100.4° F), night sweats and weight loss. Fatigue and itching may also be seen, but they are not considered "B symptoms." Some patients also have burning in involved lymph nodes after alcohol ingestion" (Brawley, 2011).