ABSTRACT
Thirty-five patients with Hodgkin's disease were staged with the aid of chest radiographs, bipedal lymphograms and computed tomography (CT) scans. Computed tomographic findings altered management in only two patients (6%) by indicating enlargement of their radiotherapy fields. After lymphography, five patients (14%) were changed from Stage II (clinical and CT staging) to Stage III, so altering their management. Because either technique may show more extensive disease, CT and lymphography are complementary. Computed tomography should be performed initially. If it reveals no abnormality in the lymphogram area, lymphography, too, should be undertaken. Inverted Y fields are easier to visualise and design from lymphograms than from CT sections.
Subject(s)
Hodgkin Disease/diagnostic imaging , Lymphography , Tomography, X-Ray Computed , Combined Modality Therapy , Hodgkin Disease/pathology , Hodgkin Disease/therapy , Humans , Laparotomy , Neoplasm Staging , Radiography, ThoracicSubject(s)
Hodgkin Disease/diagnosis , Laparotomy , Age Factors , Female , Hodgkin Disease/mortality , Humans , Male , Neoplasm Staging , Prognosis , Sex Factors , SplenectomySubject(s)
Beta-Globulins/analysis , C-Reactive Protein/analysis , Hodgkin Disease/blood , Lymphoma/blood , beta 2-Microglobulin/analysis , Adult , Aged , Antineoplastic Agents/therapeutic use , Blood Sedimentation , Female , Hodgkin Disease/therapy , Humans , Lymphoma/therapy , Lymphoma, Large B-Cell, Diffuse/blood , Lymphoma, Non-Hodgkin/blood , Male , Middle Aged , Time FactorsABSTRACT
Vertical studies indicate that, in general, acute phase reactant proteins (APRP) reflect disease activity in both Hodgkin's disease and non-Hodgkin's lymphoma. Longitudinal studies of the selected APRP profile demonstrate the following: 1. The stable profile is characteristic of remission. 2. Considerable elevation of APRPs coincides with relapsed disease. 3. An unstable profile is a feature of relapsing disease and may give early warning of relapse. 4. Patients responding inadequately to treatment frequently have unstable APRP profiles.