Obesity and Hodgkin's Lymphoma: Is There a Link?
While based in Tijuana, the safety and quality of our weight loss surgery results have drawn numerous patients from across the border in order to help improve their health and wellness.
Undergoing bariatric procedures such as gastric sleeve surgery can alleviate and prevent serious health problems. With that in mind, let's look at Hodgkin's lymphoma and whether or not obesity is a risk factor.
What Is Hodgkin's Lymphoma?
Also known as Hodgkin's disease, Hodgkin's lymphoma is type of cancer that affect a person's lymphatic system. The lymph nodes are located throughout the body and are an important part of your immune system.
When affected by Hodgkin's lymphoma, the cells in a patient's lymphatic system undergo abnormal growth, negatively affecting your body's ability to fight infections.
Non-Hodgkin's lymphoma, another condition that affect the health of the lymphatic system, is a more common condition than Hodgkin's disease.
Signs and Symptoms of Hodgkin's Lymphoma
Common signs and symptoms of Hodgkin's lymphoma include the following:
- Swelling around the neck, groin, and armpits (where lymph nodes are located)
- Recurring and/or persistent fatigue
- Night sweats
- Chills
- Fever
- Major weight loss
- Lack of appetite
- Greater sensitivity to alcohol
- Pain in the lymph nodes when drinking alcohol
Is Obesity a Hodgkin's Lymphoma Risk Factor?
While there is some back and forth among doctors and scientists about this, there have been a few studies that have found obesity to be a contributing factor to Hodgkin's lymphoma. Obesity actually increases risks for a number of different cancers.
This is why achieving and maintaining a reasonable weight is important.
Additional Risk Factors for Hodgkin's Lymphoma
Other risk factors of Hodgkin's lymphoma include:
- A family history of the condition
- Gender (men more likely to experience condition)
- Weakened immune system
- Age (usually diagnosed between 15 and 30, then after 55)
Is Weight Loss Surgery Helpful in Reducing Hodgkin's Lymphoma Risk?
Weight loss surgery helps patients achieve a more ideal weight in a safe and rapid manner, and as such, it is often a great way of preventing cancer and other serious health problems that may be associated with increased body mass.
If any of the risk factors for Hodgkin's lymphoma are present and you also experience issues with hypertension and diabetes, bariatric surgery is a good option to consider to improve your overall health and wellness.
Which Bariatric Surgery Procedure Is Right for Me?
There are three common kinds of bariatric surgery procedures that are popular: gastric sleeve surgery, gastric bypass surgery, and gastric banding surgery. We feel that gastric sleeve tends to be the best option for patients since it maximizes the advantages of the other surgeries while also minimizing their disadvantages.
That said, each patient is different, and we will be more than happy to go over all of your surgery options in greater detail during your visit to the practice.
Learn More About Weight Loss Surgery
If you would like more information about bariatric surgery and how it can help you achieve better health and wellness, be sure to contact an experienced weight loss surgery doctor today. Our bariatric specialists will work with you and help you understand the risks and benefits of any surgery that you undergo.