Hodgkin’s disease is a form of cancer that attacks the lymph nodes. There are two distinct groups that can get this disease: those 15-35 and those who are older than 50. Adult Hodgkin’s disease affects those over 50 years of age. Statistically, this occurs more often in men than in women.

Causes of Adult Hodgkin’s Disease

The cause for developing the disease is relatively unknown in the scientific community. Scientists do have clues though that will put certain associations together to create a greater risk factor. People who have had Epstein-Barr or mononucleosis due to Epstein-Barr have a greater chance of developing Hodgkin’s disease. People with immune deficiencies will also notice a greater risk.
Some symptoms might not be noticed for awhile, or it may take a doctor to notice them. The most common symptoms are a painless swelling of the lymph nodes, abdominal pain, shortness of breath, fever, pain after drinking alcohol, night sweats, weight loss, bone pain, and total body itching.

Alternative Treatments for Adult Hodgkin’s Disease

There are no over the counter treatments for Hodgkin’s disease, but there are some over the counter paint relievers and other medication that can be used in order to aid in process of tackling the cancer through chemotherapy or radiation therapy.

There are others who use a complementary and alternative medicine approach to treating their cancer. This can help to control the side effects of Hodgkin’s disease, but have not yet been proven to actually treat the cancer. Many people who have had cancer know that attitude is the main ingredient for helping a body to fight cancer, so mind and body are both treated for the illness. This can be in the form of religious practices, acupuncture, yoga, music therapy, and support groups. Often these therapies will ease symptoms of the disease as well as the medical treatments.

Medical treatment is necessary to help fight the Hodgkin’s disease. This disease is one that will quickly spread throughout the body, affecting all of the lymph nodes in the body, so a doctor should always be consulted in order to get proper treatment. Alternative treatments are available, but a person should still be under the care of a physician while they are taking it.

Chemotherapy and radiation therapy are both standard medical treatments for Hodgkin’s disease. A doctor can also prescribe other medications that will ease the symptoms of the therapies.