Treatment

Hodgkin's Lymphoma

Children

A child’s cancer cells tend to rapidly reproduce and grow faster than most adult cancer cells. Therefore, even though the cancer appears to be contained to one tumour or swollen gland, the lymphoma has almost always spread beyond its origin. In order to kill all the lymphoma cells present throughout the body, a systemic treatment plan of chemotherapy is the preferred method. Fortunately, because their cells are multiplying so quickly and chemotherapy drugs target rapidly growing cells, children tend to respond better to chemotherapy than adults. 

Treatment, Side Effects and Medications

Radiation

Radiation is used in localized areas to destroy cancer cells so they will not continue to spread. Radiation treatment is frequently used in addition to surgery or chemotherapy, and is usually applied in lymphoma through external high-energy ray beam or radioactive isotopes. Not all types of lymphoma respond to radiation treatment, therefore it will be up to your healthcare professional to determine if radiation is appropriate in your situation.

External radiation treatment is painless (similar to having an x-ray). The treatment appointment usually lasts several minutes, and in lymphoma a complete course of treatment is typically five days a week for four to five weeks in an outpatient setting depending on the cancer size, type and location.

As with all treatments, side effects vary from patient to patient and depend upon the part of the body treated and the amount of radiation used.

Chemotherapy

Chemotherapy is the use of powerful anticancer drugs that are carried through the body in the bloodstream. Chemotherapy may be taken by mouth or injected into a vein, and is often chosen when cancer is present in different parts of the body. Often, a combination of drugs is prescribed to improve the chances for success. After a round of chemotherapy drugs are administered, the patient will undergo a recovery period. This cycle allows the body to rest. Then another round of drugs is administered. The total course of chemotherapy may range from three to nine months. Depending on the type of cancer, chemotherapy may be effective after surgery in preventing the cancer from returning. Depending on the type of cancer and its stage, as well as the patient’s age and overall wellness, chemotherapy may be used as a cure, to prevent spreading, slow growth, kill cancerous cells that may have spread to other parts of the body, or relieve symptoms.

Side Effects

As with all treatments, side effects vary from patient to patient and depend upon the degree and duration of treatment.

If you have had chemotherapy or radiation treatment and are experiencing a dry mouth, soreness or pain in your mouth, difficulty swallowing or talking, red or shiny mouth and gums, please see this article regarding Oral Mucositis and managing your oral care after treatment.

 

top