Hodgkins Disease (cont.)
Risk factors associated with Hodgkin's disease
Scientists at hospitals and medical centers all across the country are
studying Hodgkin's disease. They are trying to learn more about what causes
the disease and more effective methods of treatment.
At this time, the cause or causes of Hodgkin's disease are not known, and
doctors can seldom explain why one person gets this disease and another does
not. It is clear, however, that Hodgkin's disease is not caused by an
injury, and it is not contagious; no one can "catch" this disease from
another person.
By studying patterns of cancer in the population, researchers have found
certain risk factors that are more common in people who get Hodgkin's
disease than in those who do not. However, most people with these risk
factors do not get Hodgkin's disease, and many who do get this disease have
none of the known risk factors.
The following are some of the risk factors associated with this disease:
- Age/Sex -- Hodgkin's
disease occurs most often in people between 15 and 34 and in people over the
age of 55. It is more common in men than in women.
- Family History --
Brothers and sisters of those with Hodgkin's disease have a
higher-than-average chance of developing this disease.
- Viruses -- Epstein-Barr virus is an infectious agent that may be
associated with an increased chance of getting Hodgkin's disease.
People who are concerned about the chance of developing Hodgkin's disease
should talk with their doctor about the disease, the symptoms to watch for,
and an appropriate schedule for checkups. The doctor's advice will be based
on the person's age, medical history, and other factors.
Symptoms of Hodgkin's disease
Symptoms of Hodgkin's disease may include the following:
- A painless swelling in the lymph nodes in the neck,
underarm, or groin
- Unexplained recurrent fevers
- Night sweats
- Unexplained weight loss
- Itchy skin
When symptoms like these occur, they are not sure signs of Hodgkin's disease.
In most cases, they are actually caused by other, less serious conditions, such
as the flu. When symptoms like these persist, however, it is important to see a
doctor so that any illness can be diagnosed and treated. Only a doctor can make
a diagnosis of Hodgkin's disease. Do not wait to feel pain; early Hodgkin's
disease may not cause pain.
Next: How is Hodgkin's disease diagnosed and how is the staging determined? »
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