Samples of your blood will probably be taken and a swollen gland will probably be removed for examination and diagnosis. If you have Hodgkin's disease, you will need tests to determine the extent of the disease. Tests include a bone marrow aspiration and biopsy, in which a small amount of bone marrow is removed and examined. The test results and the type of Hodgkin's disease you have will determine what treatment you need. Depending on the type of Hodgkin's disease you have, radiation therapy has an 80 to 90 percent success rate.
Young people have an even higher survival rate.
If the disease is at an advanced stage when it is discovered, you will be treated with one or more chemotherapy, or anticancer, drugs, sometimes in combination with radiation therapy. The treatment usually continues for about 6 months. High dose chemotherapy and bone marrow transplant are used for those who relapse or are resistant to treatment. Once treatment is completed, your progress is monitored by periodic checkups for several years. Please continue to support our Community Masonic Blood Program.