as rheumatoid arthritis and systemic lupus erythematous have also been associated with Hodgkin’s disease. Further, the recipients of heart, kidney and other organ transplant have been found to be at an increased risk of developing the illness. There is some evidence suggesting that first degree relatives of individuals with Hodgkin’s disease is at a small, but increased risk of developing the disease. However, Hodgkin’s disease is not directly heritable. Involved nodes in the neck, groin and armpits tend to be painless, firm, and rubbery. In some instances, the nodes may spontaneously increase and decrease in size. Because Hodgkin’s disease is associated with a defect in the maturation of the lymphocyte, the immune system may be impaired. As such repeated infections may occur. SymptomsThe symptoms of Hodgkin’s disease frequently depend upon the stage of disease. Staging defines the extent to which the disease has spread throughout the body. Moreover, it often determines which treatment(s) will be required. Hodkins has 4 distinct stages of Hodgkin’s disease, these being stages 1-4. Each stage is further defined as exhibiting either A or B symptoms. These symptoms refer to either the absence of A or presence of B unexplained weight loss in the preceding 6 months, fever greater than 38C, and or night sweats.Tumour suppressor genes: In health this family of genes usually act as a counter balance for oncogenesis. It is thought that they may be responsible for repairing gene damage in cells, or are growth inhibitor genes. In Hodgkin’s disease, there are often evidences of mutation in tumour suppressor genes as well as other genes.Stage 1. Stage 1 Hodgkin’s disease affects a single lymph node or lymph node region. The lymph nodes most commonly affected are the nodes in the neck, armpits or groin. Stage 2. Stage 2 disease is associated with lymph node involvement in 2 or more regions. However,...
