What are common treatments for Hodgkin's lymphoma?


Quick Answer

There are three main types of treatment for Hodgkin's lymphoma, as stated by Mayo Clinic: stem cell transplants, radiation therapy, and chemotherapy. The type of treatment depends on the severity and type of the condition, as well as patient preference in most cases.

Continue Reading

Full Answer

Stem cell transplants work by replacing the damaged or diseased bone marrow of the patient with fresh stem cells. These cells help to grow new, healthy bone marrow. The first stage of this treatment involves the removal of the patient's stem cells. Chemotherapy and radiation therapy are then used to remove cancerous cells, before the previously removed stem cells are returned to the patient's body through injection.

Chemotherapy is a form of treatment that kills cancer cells by using chemicals implanted into the patient's bloodstream. The advantage of this treatment is that the blood carries the chemicals to almost every area of the body, making it effective at reaching cancer cells no matter where they are located.

Radiation therapy uses carefully directed beams of radiation to destroy cancer cells, usually X-rays. While radiation therapy can be very effective, it also comes with a number of side effects, including severe fatigue and hair loss, usually based on where the beams are aimed. Radiation therapy is commonly used in conjunction with chemotherapy when treating Hodgkin's lymphoma.

Learn more about Cancer

Related Questions