expert in the care and treatment of people with HIV/AIDS.

Hodgkin's Lymphoma

Symptoms of Hodgkin's lymphoma include the following:

• Painless, swollen lymph nodes in the neck, groin, and armpits
• Itchy skin
• Weight loss
• Fever
• Night sweats

Hodgkin's usually is treated with chemotherapy, radiation, or both. Treatment is slightly different for patients who are infected with HIV, and antiretroviral therapy may require some modification during chemotherapy. Anyone with HIV/AIDS who has Hodgkin's lymphoma should be treated by a cancer specialist (oncologist) who is an expert in the care and treatment of people with HIV/AIDS.

For a more complete description of Hodgkin's lymphoma, visit oncologychannel.com.

Primary (CNS) Lymphoma

Primary CNS (central nervous system) lymphoma occurs in the brain or spinal cord in patients who are HIV-positive and have CD4+ counts below 100 or, more commonly, 50 cells/mL.

One of the symptoms of CNS lymphoma is a persistent headache that does not go away with the usual headache pain relievers. Other symptoms include partial paralysis affecting one side of the body, seizures, and the loss of ability to understand or speak language. The diagnosis usually is based on a microscopic examination of the lymph nodes or other affected tissues (biopsy).

CNS lymphoma is a very aggressive cancer and there is no cure. Radiation can temporarily slow growth of the disease. Patients who are taking antiretroviral drugs rarely develop CNS lymphoma.