Hodgkin Lymphoma
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Case 2: Hodgkin Lymphoma
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Fatigue and Other Clinical Manifestations of Hodgkin Lymphoma
Question #1
Hodgkin lymphoma refers to cancer that infiltrates the body's lymphatic system, one element of the immune system. Also, the lymphatic system comprises lymph nodes located throughout the body. A clinical manifestation of Hodgkin lymphoma is an enlargement of the lymph nodes, which can also make an individual feel exhausted (Dlugasch & Story, 2019). People infected with Hodgkin lymphoma experience tiredness resulting from diverse contributors. One of the causes of the issue is anemia, a disease in which the body lacks sufficient quantities of healthy red blood cells. The absence of red blood cells implies that the body does not receive the oxygen it needs, which makes a person experience fatigue. These cells carry oxygen to different body tissues. Individuals infected with Hodgkin lymphoma may experience fatigue for different reasons (Dlugasch & Story, 2019). Cancer cells can emit some substances into the body that can cause people to feel drowsy. Moreover, cancer therapies, including radiation and chemotherapy, could also cause fatigue in patients. Regular physical activity has been demonstrated to help raise energy levels, so it can be used to manage the weariness that occurs with Hodgkin lymphoma.
Relationship Between Mononucleosis and Hodgkin Lymphoma Symptoms
Question #2
These indications can result from relapsing mononucleosis. Hodgkin's disease is mainly caused by the Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) and mononucleosis. Individuals with compromised immune systems have a higher likelihood of experiencing severe EBV infection-related clinical manifestations, consequences, and more serious infections (Dlugasch & Story, 2019). Also, mononucleosis could lead to spleen enlargement, which may cause sudden and severe discomfort on the left side of the upper abdomen. In addition, common signs of mononucleosis may include swollen lymph nodes in the armpits and neck, a high fever, and a scratchy throat. Most cases of mononucleosis are minor and respond well to minimal therapy.
Diagnostic Assessment Using Blood Tests and PET/CT Imaging
Question #3
The complete blood count (CBC) test examines the number of different blood cells. Blood counts can sometimes be irregular in people with Hodgkin lymphoma. For example, an individual may develop anemia if the lymphoma infiltrates the bone marrow, where new blood cells are generated (American Cancer Society, 2018). Another sign of Hodgkin lymphoma is a high white blood cell count, although an illness can also cause this symptom.
PET/CT Scan: Certain devices can simultaneously perform a PET scan and a CT scan. This enables the physician to compare areas of more significant radiation on the PET scan with the CT scan's more detailed images (American Cancer Society, 2018). PET/CT scans frequently provide more accurate lymphoma localization information than a CT scan alone.
References
American Cancer Society. (2018). Tests for hodgkin lymphoma. Hodgkin Lymphoma Diagnosis. Retrieved from https://www.cancer.org/cancer/hodgkin-lymphoma/detection-diagnosis-staging/how-diagnosed.html#:~:text=Blood%20tests%20aren%E2%80%99t%20used%20to%20diagnose%20HL%2C%20but,with%20HL%20can%20sometimes%20have%20abnormal%20blood%20counts.
Dlugasch, L., & Story, L. (2019). Applied pathophysiology for the advanced practice nurse. Jones & Bartlett Learning.