Childhood Hodgkin’s disease is a disease that will attack the lymph nodes in the body and is a type of cancer that is rapid and devastating for those who get it, but it is treatable in most children and adults. Children are susceptible to this disease from around the age of ten all the way up to about 35. Adult Hodgkin’s disease affects those over the age of 50.

Causes of Childhood Hodgkin’s Disease

Hodgkin’s disease is most common in children, particularly boys. Rarely will a child under the age of five develop this cancer. It is most often occurring in the adolescent years.

The cause for the disease is not certain, but many scientists have noticed a higher risk of developing this cancer in children who have had Epstein-Barr virus or those who have had mononucleosis due to Epstein-Barr. Children who are born with deficiencies in their immune system or have developed this problem will also be at greater risk for Hodgkin’s disease.

Symptoms of Hodgkin’s disease in children begin slowly. First, the only symptom that may be apparent will be the swollen lymph nodes in the body. This can develop into abdominal pain or shortness of breath if the internal organs also begin to swell. There can also be symptoms such as fever, weight loss, bone pain, and total body itching, depending on the stage of the disease.

Alternative Treatments for Childhood Hodgkin’s Disease

There are no over the counter treatments for the disease itself, but there are over the counter treatments that can be useful in aiding with the side effects of the disease as well as the medical treatments.

The alternative treatments for Hodgkin’s disease in children are normally focused around treating the mind and spirit rather than the body. Treating the body through the mind will often help children keep up their spirits when treatments get too difficult. Children are resilient and with the proper attention, alternative treatments such as support groups, yoga, music therapy, and even acupuncture have been known to help children with this disease cope with the medical treatments.

Medical treatment is always necessary in order fight the cancer. This is a disease that can attack the whole body from the lymphatic system, so even if alternative treatments are being used, a doctor should always be consulted in order to track the progression of the cancer and incorporate medical treatments when necessary.

the standard treatments for Hodgkin’s disease in children are often radiation therapy and chemotherapy. A doctor will be able to determine the best course of treatment, as well as prescribing any other medications that will be necessary during the treatment process.

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