2. HIVES You've heard of hives but do you really know what they are? Hives are produced by histamine and other compounds released from cells called mast cells, which are a normal part of skin. Histamine causes fluid to leak from the local blood vessels, leading to swelling in the skin. Hives are very common. Hives usually cause itching, but may also burn or sting. They can appear anywhere on the body, including the face, lips, tongue, throat, or ears. Hives vary in size (from a pencil eraser to a dinner plate), and may join together to form larger areas known as plaques. They can last for hours, or up to one day before fading.
4. Causes andTreatmentsof Hives Many substances can trigger hives, including: Animal dander (especially cats) Insect bites Medications, Pollen, fish, nuts, eggs, milk, and other foods Hives may also develop as a result of: Emotional stress, extreme cold or sun exposure Excessive perspiration Treatment may not be needed if the hives are mild. They may disappear on their own. To reduce itching and swelling: Avoid hot baths or showers. Avoid irritating the area with tight-fitting clothing. Take antihistamines. Diphenhydramine is considered the most effective. If your reaction is severe, especially if the swelling involves your throat, you may require an emergency shot of epinephrine (adrenaline) or steroids. Hives in the throat can block your airway, making it difficult to breathe.
5. HODGKINS DISEASEalso called HODGKINS LYMPHOMA Hodgkin's lymphoma is a cancer of lymph tissue found in the lymph nodes, spleen, liver, bone marrow, and other sites Symptoms Fatigue, Fever and chills that come and go. Itching all over the body that cannot be explained. Loss of appetite, Soaking night sweats, Painless swelling of the lymph nodes in the neck, armpits, or groin (swollen glands) Weight loss that cannot be explained. Coughing, chest pains, or breathing problems if there are swollen lymph nodes in the chest. Pain or feeling of fullness below the ribs due to swollen spleen or liver. Skin blushing or flushing
7. HODGKINS DISEASE TREATMENT Treatment primarily depends on the following: The type of Hodgkin's lymphoma (most people have classic Hodgkin's) The stage (where the disease is found) Whether the tumor is more than 4 inches (10 cm) wide The patient's age and other medical issues A staging evaluation is necessary to determine the treatment plan. Stage I indicates one lymph node region is involved (for example, the right neck). Stage II indicates involvement of two lymph node areas on the same side of the diaphragm (for example, both sides of the neck). Stage III indicates lymph node involvement on both sides of the diaphragm (for example, groin and armpit). Stage IV involves the spread of cancer outside the lymph nodes (for example, to bone marrow, lungs, or liver). Stages I and II (limited disease) can be treated with local radiation therapy, chemotherapy, or a combination of both. Stages III is treated with chemotherapy alone or a combination of radiation therapy and chemotherapy. Stage IV (extensive disease) is most often treated with chemotherapy alone.
8. Sarcoidosis What Is Sarcoidosis? Sarcoidosis (sar-koy-DO-sis) is a disease of unknown cause that leads to inflammation. It can affect various organs in the body. Sarcoidosisis more likely to occur in some organs than in others. The disease usually starts in the lungs, skin, and/or lymph nodes (especially the lymph nodes in your chest). The disease also often affects the eyes and the liver. Although less common, sarcoidosis can affect the heart and brain, leading to serious complications. If many granulomas form in an organ, they can affect how the organ works. This can cause signs and symptoms. Signs and symptoms vary depending on which organs are affected. Many people who have sarcoidosis have no symptoms or mild symptoms.