Hodgkin Lymphoma Case Study

Lymphomas are a group of neoplastic diseases that come from the lymphoid and hematopoietic systems and are divided into Hodgkin disease and NHL. In Hodgkin disease the cancer starts in the lymphoid system and mostly involves the lymph nodes. It can spread to the spleen, liver, bone marrow, lung and the mediastinum. The outlook is excellent in children with localized disease. Overall survival rates for patients with Hodgkin disease is as high as 95%; however, the survival rate is dependent on histology and staging. The primary clinical symptom are painless enlargement of lymph nodes. Other signs and symptoms depend on the extent and location of involvement. Diagnostics consist of multiple tests to confirm the presence of Hodgkin's disease and to evaluate the extent of involvement for acute staging. The tests include CBC, uric acid levels, liver function test, erythrocyte sedimentation rate or C-reactive protein, alkaline phosphatase, and urine analysis. Radiographic tests include CT scans of the neck, chest, abdomen and hip, pet scans, chest x-ray, and if indicated a bone scan to detect

dissemination happens earlier, more often, and more quickly than Hodgkin lymphoma. Clinical signs depend on the location in the body and the extent of involvement. Visible signs seen in Hodgkin lymphoma may be present in NHL. Because most children with non-Hodgkin's lymphoma have this disease throughout a large amount of their body a diagnosis through staging is unnecessary. Bone marrow aspiration and CT scans of the lungs and GI organs are recommended. Current treatments include an aggressive approach using irradiation and chemotherapy. Almost the same as leukemic therapy. Nursing care is just like the care discussed with nursing care of a child cancer which is mostly directed toward managing the side effects of the chemotherapy