Treatment for Hodgkin’s Lymphoma in Tampa Bay
Chemotherapy and radiation therapy are the main treatment methods used for Hodgkin’s lymphoma, and often both may be used. The team at Tampa Bay Radiation Oncology are seasoned experts at evaluating each specific case of Hodgkin’s lymphoma and designing a treatment plan that fits each patient’s needs. Some of the methods TBRO typically uses to treat Hodgkin’s lymphoma include:
Our physicians and staff will walk with you through each step of your cancer treatment journey. We are here to answer your questions, help you feel comfortable, and let you know what’s next.
About Hodgkin’s Lymphoma
Lymphomas are cancers that start in the lymph system. The lymph system helps fight infections and other diseases as part of the immune system. The lymph system also helps control the flow of fluids within the body. Lymphomas start in cells called lymphocytes, a type of white blood cell. There are 2 main types of lymphoma:
- Hodgkin’s lymphoma
- Non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma
Hodgkin’s lymphoma and non-Hodgkin’s spread and respond to treatment differently, so proper diagnosis is important.
Different types of Hodgkin’s lymphoma can grow and spread. Classic Hodgkin’s lymphoma accounts for more than 90% of cases of Hodgkin’s lymphoma. The cancer cells in classic Hodgkin’s lymphoma are called Reed-Sternberg cells. Enlarged lymph nodes caused by classic Hodgkin’s lymphoma typically contain Reed-Sternberg cells surrounded by several normal immune cells, which cause swelling in the lymph nodes.
Classic Hodgkin’s Lymphoma has 4 subtypes:
- Nodular sclerosis Hodgkin’s lymphoma accounts for about 70% of cases and tends to start in lymph nodes in the neck or chest.
- Mixed cellularity Hodgkin’s lymphoma, which is the second most common type accounts for about 40% of cases and most often occurs in the upper half of the body.
- Lymphocyte-rich Hodgkin’s lymphoma isn’t common and is rarely found in more than a few lymph nodes.
- Lymphocyte-depleted Hodgkin’s lymphoma is a rare but aggressive form of Hodgkin’s lymphoma that occurs mainly in older people and those with HIV infection and is most often found in lymph nodes in the abdomen, spleen, liver, and bone marrow.
Symptoms of Hodgkin’s Lymphoma
The most common symptom of Hodgkin’s lymphoma is an enlarged lymph node which causes a lump in the neck, under the arm, or in the groin. Usually, these lumps aren’t painful but may cause pain after drinking alcohol. The lump may grow larger over time and new lumps can appear near it or in other parts of the body. Swollen lymph nodes don’t always mean Hodgkin’s lymphoma as many other types of non-cancerous infections can cause swelling of lymph nodes, especially in children.
Some people with Hodgkin’s lymphoma may also experience:
- Fever
- Night sweats
- Unexpected weight loss
- Itchy skin
- Fatigue
Any of these symptoms may be the result of something else, but it’s important to have suspicious lumps checked by your doctor.
Contact Tampa Bay Radiation Oncology today for more information about Hodgkin’s Lymphoma, and Hodgkin’s Lymphoma treatment options. Tampa Bay Radiation Oncology has multiple Florida facilities located in the Tampa Bay area in Tampa, FL, and Brandon, FL.