hodgkins

Question 1

What is known about the cause of Hodgkin Lymphoma?

Answer 1

Cause is unknown

Question 2

How does Hodgkin Lymphoma typically spread?

Answer 2

Starts in a single location and then spreads

Question 3

Where does Hodgkin Lymphoma originate?

Answer 3

Either above or below the diaphragm

Question 4

How does Hodgkin Lymphoma behave when it starts above the diaphragm?

Answer 4

Stays confined to lymph nodes for a while (ex: axillary nodes)

Question 5

How does Hodgkin Lymphoma behave when it starts below the diaphragm?

Answer 5

Spreads rapidly to extralymphoid sites such as the liver

Question 6

What cells are characteristic of Hodgkin Lymphoma?

Answer 6

Reed–Sternberg cells (giant, multinucleated; very specific to Hodgkin)

Question 7

What are Hodgkin cells?

Answer 7

Mononucleated cells that proliferate in lymph nodes

Question 8

What percentage of lymphomas are Hodgkin?

Answer 8

0.1

Question 9

What are risk factors for Hodgkin Lymphoma?

Answer 9

EBV, genetic predisposition, environmental toxins, HIV

Question 10

What age groups most commonly develop Hodgkin Lymphoma?

Answer 10

15–30 years and over 55 years

Question 11

Which sex is more affected?

Answer 11

Males twice as much as females

Question 12

What is the cure rate for Hodgkin Lymphoma?

Answer 12

Approximately 85%

Question 13

What is the most common initial presentation?

Answer 13

Enlarged cervical lymph nodes

Question 14

What other lymph nodes may enlarge early?

Answer 14

Axillary or inguinal nodes

Question 15

What are the characteristics of Hodgkin lymph nodes?

Answer 15

Movable and nontender

Question 16

What general symptoms may occur early?

Answer 16

Weight loss, fatigue, chills, tachycardia

Question 17

What are the B symptoms?

Answer 17

Weight loss, fever, night sweats (common in blood cancers)

Question 18

What organs commonly enlarge in advanced disease?

Answer 18

Liver (hepatomegaly), spleen (splenomegaly)

Question 19

What hematologic complication can occur?

Answer 19

Anemia

Question 20

What symptoms occur with liver involvement?

Answer 20

Pain with alcohol intake, jaundice

Question 21

What symptoms occur with mediastinal node involvement?

Answer 21

Cough, dyspnea, stridor, dysphagia

Question 22

What are key diagnostic tests for Hodgkin Lymphoma?

Answer 22

Peripheral blood analysis, lymph node biopsy, bone marrow biopsy, PET/CT scan

Question 23

What definitive finding confirms Hodgkin Lymphoma?

Answer 23

Appearance of Reed–Sternberg cells

Question 24

What determines the treatment approach?

Answer 24

Nature and extent of the disease

Question 25

What is the standard chemotherapy regimen for Hodgkin Lymphoma?

Answer 25

ABVD

Question 26

What does ABVD stand for?

Answer 26

Adriamycin (doxorubicin), bleomycin, vinblastine, dacarbazine

Question 27

How many ABVD cycles are given in early-stage Hodgkin?

Answer 27

2–4 cycles

Question 28

How many ABVD cycles are given in intermediate-stage?

Answer 28

4–6 cycles

Question 29

How many ABVD cycles are given in advanced-stage?

Answer 29

6–8 cycles

Question 30

What other treatment may be used in addition to chemotherapy?

Answer 30

Radiation therapy, depending on disease extent

Question 31

What long-term complication can occur after treatment?

Answer 31

Secondary cancers