Hodgkin's disease is a malignancy of?

Appeared in: PGIMS Rohtak NO - 2017

Explanation

Hodgkin's disease, or Hodgkin lymphoma, is a cancer that originates from the lymphatic system.
The malignancy specifically arises from B-lymphocytes within the lymph nodes.
Its definitive diagnosis is based on the histological finding of neoplastic giant cells known as Reed-Sternberg cells in a lymph node biopsy.
The most common clinical presentation is painless lymphadenopathy (swollen lymph nodes), often in the cervical (neck) region, as depicted in the associated image.

Option A: The heart is not the primary site for Hodgkin's lymphoma. Primary cardiac lymphomas are extremely rare, and Hodgkin's disease originates in lymphoid tissue.
Option C: The kidney is not the site of origin for Hodgkin's lymphoma. Cancers that start in the kidney are typically renal cell carcinomas.
Option D: The lung is not the primary site of Hodgkin's lymphoma. While the disease can spread to the lungs (secondary involvement), it originates in the lymph nodes. Cancers starting in the lung are typically lung carcinomas.

Clinical Relevance

Nursing practice connection: Knowing Pathophysiology and primary site of Hodgkin's lymphoma helps nurses interpret findings accurately and avoid errors in routine assessment, medication administration, and patient teaching.
A key nursing assessment for a patient with suspected lymphoma is a thorough examination of all lymph node areas for swelling, noting size, consistency (firm, rubbery), and tenderness.
Nurses must educate patients to report 'B' symptoms (fever, night sweats, weight loss), as their presence can indicate more advanced disease and affects treatment planning.
During treatment with chemotherapy regimens like ABVD, nurses must monitor for specific drug toxicities, such as bleomycin-induced pulmonary fibrosis or doxorubicin-induced cardiotoxicity.

How to Approach the Question

Identify the key terms in the question: "Hodgkin's disease" and "malignancy of?".
This is a factual recall question that asks for the primary site of a specific cancer.
Recall or deduce the pathophysiology of Hodgkin's disease. The name itself, "lymphoma," provides a strong clue (lymph- refers to the lymphatic system).
Evaluate the options. The lymphatic system is composed of lymph nodes, lymphatic vessels, the spleen, and other lymphoid tissues.
Select the option that is a core component of the lymphatic system where this cancer originates. "Lymph nodes" is the most direct and accurate answer.
Eliminate the other organs (Heart, Kidney, Lung) as they are not the primary sites for lymphomas, although they can be affected by other types of cancer or by the spread of lymphoma.

Concept Tested & Keywords

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E6 Pathology- ROBBINS & COTRAN PATHOLOGIC BASIS OF DISEASE 10TH Ed p. 614-616

E6 Ghai Essential Pediatrics(pp 26-904 of 913) p. 629-631

Practise the full PGIMS Rohtak NO - 2017

Attempt every question from this paper in a timed mock, then review the full solution for each one.