Hodgkin's lymphoma is a cancer of the lymphatic system. There are two types of Hodgkin lymphoma: classical Hodgkin lymphoma and nodular lymphocyte-predominant Hodgkin lymphoma. Symptoms include the painless enlargement of lymph nodes, spleen, or other immune tissue. Other symptoms include fever, weight loss, fatigue, or night sweats [1].
The lymphatic system includes the lymph nodes (lymph glands), which are located throughout the body and are connected by small vessels called lymphatics. The lymphatic system also includes the spleen, thymus gland and bone marrow [1].
Symptoms of Hodgkin's lymphoma includes swelling of the lymph nodes and spleen, lack of energy, weight loss, fevers, night sweats and itching [1].
Causes: There is no real cause for this condition. Children who have Epstein-Barr virus are more prone to get this type of cancer [1].
Treatments: This type of cancer is treated by chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and surgery [1].
Prognosis: Varies upon age but most children who are diagnosed early make a recovery rate of 100% and are able to live and happy and normal life [1].
Family Interventions
It is important for health care providers and family to know that cancer is a type of condition that deals with not only working with the patient, but also working with the whole family.
Infants: Provide attention and stimulation. Provide for parental involvement [2].
Preschool: Parents and health care providers can help explain through medical play and preparation what is going to happen to them when they get special tests/procedures done. Read to them books about this type of cancer. Provide supportive parental and sibling involvement [2].
School-Age: Parents and health care providers can help prepare/explain what is going to happen to them during tests/procedures. Provide peer interactions through the playroom. Provide a school visit and explain what is happening to the ill child. Provide normalization by promoting going to school at the hospital [2].
Adolescents: Parents and health care providers can help explain to them what is going to happen to them during tests/procedures. Explain to them if any of the tests/procedures will alter their appearance in anyway. Provide peer interactions through support groups and teen lounge. Allow for visitations of families and friends. Promote normalization by promoting going to school at the hospital [2].
Citations
[1] Mayo Staff. 2008. Hodgkin's disease. Mayo Clinic.org. http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/hodgkins-disease/DS00186
[2] Live interviews with childlife professionals.