Mixed cellularity classical Hodgkin’s lymphoma is a form of cancer in the lymph cells.
Approximately 15-30% of patients diagnosed with lymphoma have this type; it is less common in the United States than in other parts of the world, such as Asia.
This form of the disease can appear in patients of any age, and affects men and women almost equally. It is frequently associated with patients who have HIV or the Epstein-Barr virus.
Signs & Symptoms
Symptoms can vary from patient to patient. The most common symptom of this condition is enlarged lymph nodes, either in the neck, underarms, or spleen. This disease usually demonstrates approximately 30 symptoms—any or all of which may affect a patient. These symptoms include:
- Night sweats
- Flu-like symptoms
- Weight loss
- Itchy skin
- Difficulty breathing
- Bone pain and/or fractures
- Anemia
- Edema
- Wheezing
Diagnosis & Treatment
A variety of scans, including CT or CAT, MRI, or x-rays will allow a physician to determine the size and location of the mass through a number of means. An MRI, in particular, can provide a very detailed image of the mass, which allows the physician to determine the best course of treatment for the patient.
A lymph node biopsy, in which a small piece of tissue is cut away from the mass and examined under a microscope, provides the most definitive diagnosis of this disease.
Treatment will depend on the patient’s overall health and the size, location, and stage of the mass. This type of cancer is often diagnosed as a late-stage disease, which means it is extremely critical that the patient receive treatment right away.
Radiation and chemotherapy are the most frequently prescribed courses of treatment. In very advanced stages, some physicians recommend surgery to remove any lymphomas (troublesome tissue that may or may not be malignant) that may have formed outside of the lymph nodes.
Sometimes stem cell or bone marrow transplants are necessary. For these procedures, the physician will remove the infected blood cells and inject healthy infection-fighting white blood cells into the patient’s bloodstream.
Outlook
A patient’s prognosis depends on the size, location, and stage of the mass. Additionally, they may experience long-term side effects from their treatment. Some patients have developed heart or pulmonary diseases, infertility, or other complications.
Depending on the stage of the disease and how early and effectively it is treated, some patients can anticipate a 90% chance of a 5-year survival rate after the time of diagnosis.
