What are the risk factors for Hodgkins disease?
The exact causes of Hodgkin’s disease are not known, but some things may raise the risk for getting the disease. The strongest risk factors associated with Hodgkin’s disease are: • Having a weakened immune system due to human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection or medications to prevent rejection of a transplanted organ. • Having the Epstein-Barr virus. This is the virus that can cause infectious mononucleosis (“mono”). • Having a family history. Brothers and sisters of those who get Hodgkin’s disease as young adults have a higher-than-average chance of developing the disease. • Age. Hodgkin’s disease occurs most often in two groups: young adults (ages 15 to 40) and older adults (age 55 and older). • Gender. Hodgkin’s disease affects slightly more men than women. What are the symptoms? Symptoms may include: • Painless swelling in the neck, armpits, upper chest and/or groin • Persistent cough • Shortness of breath • Feeling of fullness or abdominal pain • Night sweats (fever) • Itchi
