Stage III Hodgkin's Disease
What is Stage III Hodgkin's Disease?
Stage III Hodgkin's Disease is a type of cancer that begins in the lymph nodes. It is caused by abnormal cells of the immune system and is a subset of blood cancer. The abnormal cells affect the consistent production of healthy lymphocytes and result in collection of malignant cells in the lymph nodes, spleen, bone marrow, and other organs of the body.
Symptoms of Stage III Hodgkin's Disease
Stage III Hodgkin's Disease is characterized by the presence of B-symptoms such as:
- Fever
- Night sweats
- Weight loss
- Itching
- Extreme fatigue
These symptoms may worsen overtime and may be accompanied by other symptoms such as swollen lymph nodes, coughing, difficulty breathing, chest pain, and other symptoms.
Diagnosis of Stage III Hodgkin's Disease
Diagnosis of stage III Hodgkin's Disease begins with a physical exam, followed by a blood test to check for signs of anemia and lymphocytosis. Imaging tests such as chest X-ray or CT scan may also be done to identify the location and extent of the cancer. Other tests such as biopsies of the lymph nodes may also be done to confirm the diagnosis.
Treatment of Stage III Hodgkin's Disease
Treatment of Stage III Hodgkin's Disease depends on the individual's general health, the type of cancer, and stage of the disease. Chemotherapy and radiation therapy may be used alone or together in combination to treat the cancer. In some cases, immunotherapy and stem cell transplant may also be used.
Prognosis of Stage III Hodgkin's Disease
The prognosis of Stage III Hodgkin's Disease depends on the type of treatment received and the individual's response to the treatment. With early diagnosis and treatment, the prognosis of Stage III Hodgkin's Disease is usually positive and most patients can be effectively treated and go into long-term remission. However, if the cancer is not treated, it can progress to more advanced stages and can become more difficult to treat.