Hodgkin under observation

Hodgkin lymphoma is a hematologic malignancy that is rarely on the radar of primary care physicians and the general population.

However, recognizing them is essential for timely diagnoses and good prognoses, as they do not always present clear symptoms and, when they do, they are often confused with common infections.

This was stated by Dr. Catalina López Aparicio, a hematologist at the IMSS's "La Raza" National Medical Center, during the conference "United Against Hodgkin Lymphoma: Current Realities and Challenges," in which she addressed the current state of the disease in Mexico and the main challenges in its detection and treatment.

The specialist explained that lymphomas are a type of hematologic cancer with 13 categories and more than 70 subtypes. Hodgkin lymphoma originates in the lymphatic system, a key network of the immune system, and manifests with swollen lymph nodes in various parts of the body, such as the neck, armpits, and groin.

According to the most recent registry, Mexico reported 2,341 new cases and 659 deaths in 2022. Hodgkin lymphoma accounts for 10% to 15% of all lymphomas; the remainder is non-Hodgkin lymphoma, which is more common.

Dr. López pointed out that in this cancer, malignant cells are a minority and cause the proliferation of surrounding normal cells, "camouflaging" themselves to evade the immune system.

According to the Global Cancer Observatory 2022, this disease ranks 26th in incidence with 82,469 cases and 28th in mortality, with 22,733 deaths annually.

Lymphoma primarily affects young people aged 15 to 30, with another peak between the ages of 55 and 65.

In Latin America, there are approximately 10,000 cases annually, with a mortality rate of nearly 12%. It is projected that by 2040 there will be approximately 197,000 diagnoses per year, due to increased life expectancy and improvements in detection.

There are no defined risk factors, but there are some associated factors, such as a family history of monozygotic twins, viral infections (Epstein-Barr, HIV), autoimmune diseases, and previous radiotherapy for other cancers.

The main symptoms include enlarged lymph nodes, recurrent fever, unexplained weight loss, intense night sweats, chronic fatigue, generalized itching that worsens with alcohol, and respiratory or cardiac problems if the tumor is near vital organs.

Blood tests may show anemia and lymphopenia.

Treatment depends on the stage: in localized cases, 80% to 90% control is achieved with chemotherapy and two cycles of radiotherapy. In intermediate stages, the response rate is 75% to 80%, and in advanced stages, it reaches 65% to 75%. The specialist emphasized that the key lies in early diagnosis and the training of primary care physicians.

In light of World Lymphoma Day, which is observed on September 15, he urged people to seek information from reliable sources such as www.cancer.gov, en.ghsg.org, www.msdmanuals.com, and amicc.org.

“Information saves lives; knowing the symptoms and seeking timely medical attention can make all the difference,” she concluded.— IRIS CEBALLOS

At a glance

Key symptoms

Enlarged lymphadenopathy, recurrent fever, unexplained weight loss, night sweats, itching, and chronic fatigue may be warning signs of Hodgkin lymphoma and other cancers.

Associated factors

Family history, viral infections such as Epstein-Barr and HIV, autoimmune diseases, and prior radiation therapy increase the risk of lymphoma, although no single factors have been defined.

Success rates

With early diagnosis, treatment achieves an 80% to 90% success rate. In advanced stages, the rate decreases.