| Medical Dictionary |
A Medical Dictionary of Medical Terminology
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Infectious mononucleosis (mono) is a disease caused by viruses.The most common cause is the Epstein-Barr virus (EBV). Mono is contagious, which means it can spread from person to person. It is common among teenagers and young adults, especially college students.
What causes infectious mononucleosis (mono)?Mono can be caused by many different viruses. But it is most often caused by the Epstein-Barr virus (EBV). EBV is found all over the world. Most people get an EBV infection at some point in their lives, but only some of them will get the symptoms of mono. EBV infections often happen during childhood or when someone is a young adult. EBV infections in children usually do not cause symptoms. And when they do, it's hard to tell the difference between the symptoms of mono and the symptoms of other common childhood illnesses such as the flu. Teens and young adults who get EBV are more likely to have symptoms that are typical of mono.
EBV and the other viruses that cause mono are usually spread through body fluids, especially saliva (spit). This means that you can get it through kissing. That's why mono is sometimes called "the kissing disease." But you can also get these viruses if you share food, drinks, forks, spoons, or lip balm with someone who has mono. Other less common ways of getting an infection are through blood transfusions, organ transplants, and blood and semen during sexual contact.
What are the symptoms of infectious mononucleosis (mono)?The symptoms of mono usually start four to six weeks after you get the infection. But they may start sooner in young children. The symptoms often develop slowly, and they may not all happen at the same time. They can include:
Most people get better in two to four weeks. However, some people may feel fatigued for several more weeks. Occasionally, the symptoms can last for six months or longer.
How is infectious mononucleosis (mono) diagnosed?Your healthcare provider may diagnose mono based on your symptoms and a physical exam. The exam will include checking to see if your lymph nodes, tonsils, liver, or spleen are swollen. In some cases, your provider might also order a mono test to confirm the diagnosis.
What are the treatments for infectious mononucleosis (mono)?If you have severe symptoms, your provider may suggest additional treatment based on which organs in your body are affected by the mono.
Antibiotics don't treat viral infections, so they do not help with mono. Some people do get bacterial infections such as strep throat along with mono. In that case, you probably need antibiotics to treat the bacterial infection. But you should not take penicillin antibiotics like ampicillin or amoxicillin. Those antibiotics can cause a rash in people who have mono.
Mono can cause an enlarged spleen, which could rupture and cause a medical emergency. To try to protect the spleen, providers recommend avoiding intense exercise and contact sports until you fully recover (about a month).
Can infectious mononucleosis (mono) be prevented?There is no vaccine to protect against mono. To lower your chance of getting or spreading mono:
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
Hodgkin lymphoma, also called Hodgkin disease, is a type of cancer that develops in the lymph system. Your lymph system is part of your immune system. It helps protect your body from infection and disease.
The lymph system is made up of tissues and organs that produce, store, and carry white blood cells. It includes your:
Hodgkin lymphoma is one of the main types of lymphoma. The other is non-Hodgkin lymphoma. Each type starts in different types of white blood cells.
What causes Hodgkin lymphoma?The cause of Hodgkin lymphoma is unknown. But there are certain people who are at higher risk of developing it.
Who is more likely to develop Hodgkin lymphoma?Certain factors can make you more likely to develop Hodgkin lymphoma:
The signs and symptoms of Hodgkin lymphoma may include:
To find out if you have Hodgkin lymphoma, your provider:
Treatments for Hodgkin lymphoma include:
Hodgkin lymphoma can usually be cured if it is found and treated early.
NIH: National Cancer Institute
Head and neck cancer is the name for cancers that develop in the mouth, nose and sinuses, salivary glands, and throat and voice box (larynx). Most head and neck cancers are squamous cell cancers. They begin in the moist tissues that line the head and neck. The cancer cells may spread into deeper tissue as the cancer grows.
There are other cancers that develop in the head and neck, such as brain cancer, eye cancer, and esophageal cancer. But they are usually not considered to be head and neck cancers, because those types of cancer and their treatments are different.
Who is more likely to develop head and neck cancer?Anyone can get head and neck cancer, but you are more likely to develop it if you:
The symptoms of head and neck cancer may include:
Other possible symptoms can depend on the specific type of head and neck cancer.
How is head and neck cancer diagnosed?Which exams and tests used to diagnose head and neck cancer can depend on the specific type of cancer. Possible exams and tests may include:
The treatment for head and neck cancer will depend on the specific type of cancer, the stage (how advanced the cancer is), your overall health, and other factors. The treatment options might include:
In some cases, you may need a combination of treatments. Sometimes surgery can affect how well you can chew, swallow, or talk. Rehabilitation, such as physical therapy, dietary counseling, and speech therapy, may help.
Can head and neck cancer be prevented?There are steps you can take to help prevent head and neck cancer:
NIH: National Cancer Institute