Microsoft Word - IJHHS IMAM 23rd ASC 2022


  
 

 S32

An adolescent with Hodgkin Lymphoma Health Seeking Behaviour and the Primary Health 
Care Response  
 
Noor Faridzatul Ain Mohd Noor1 and Aneesa Abdul Rashid1  
 
Hodgkin lymphoma (HL) accounts for approximately 10 percent of all lymphomas. HL is a type of 
lymphoma that accounts for around 7% of childhood cancers. Lymphoma is a rare form of cancer that 
must be diagnosed and treated immediately for a better outcome.  

This case study illustrates how a 17-year-old adolescent and his family battled a sickness that 
they had never heard of before. He presented with severe cough and systemic symptoms including night 
sweats, weight loss or fever. On his physical examination, there was no palpable peripheral 
lymphadenopathy. The biochemical results showed increased c-reactive protein and a neutrophilic 
leukocytosis of approximately 15,500 leukocytes per microliter. Chest radiograph revealed a significant 
left-sided pleural effusion and a large mediastinal mass measuring 10 cm. He was screened for 
tuberculosis at the health clinic and found to be normal findings. To accelerate diagnostic procedures, 
the patient was admitted to the internal medicine department. Chest Computed Tomography showed 
a large anterior mediastinal mass, causing effect and compression onto adjacent great vessels and left 
the main bronchus, associated with moderate left pleural effusion, as confirmed by histopathology 
findings.  

Although HL is mainly managed in a hospital setting, primary care plays a vital role in this 
study; the importance of recognizing patients with social-related problems, such as financial constraints 
or logistic issues to avoid this becoming a barrier to seeking treatment in health care facilities. This case 
commentary discusses the delay in identifying such a high-risk patient at the primary care level, who 
was later diagnosed with HL. Essential role through effective education, supportive care, and symptom 
management, can play an important role to help them make the right decision in obtaining healthcare 
services and further treatment for a better outcome.  
 
Keywords: Hodgkin lymphoma, adolescents, psychosocial impact, delayed treatment  
 

1. Department of Family Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universiti 
Putra Malaysia, 43400 Serdang, Malaysia  

 

 

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Correspondence to: Aneesa Abdul Rashid, Associate Professor and Medical Lecturer, Department of 
Family Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universiti Putra Malaysia, 43400 Serdang, 
Malaysia, aneesa@upm.edu.my    

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DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.31344/ijhhs.v7i70.534