Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsTypesCommon SymptomsCausesDiagnosisTreatmentPrognosisCoping
Table of ContentsView All
View All
Table of Contents
Types
Common Symptoms
Causes
Diagnosis
Treatment
Prognosis
Coping
B-cell lymphoma is a type ofnon-Hodgkin’s lymphoma (NHL). NHL is a cancer that starts in white blood cells calledlymphocytes. Most non-Hodgkin’s lymphomas in the United States are B-cell lymphomas.
There are several types of B-cell lymphoma. This article will go over the most common types, as well as several rarer forms. It will also discuss symptoms and treatments you can expect, as well as prognosis and coping with this disease.
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Types of B-Cell Lymphoma
Diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) is the most commontype of B-cell lymphomain the United States and worldwide. It has several subtypes.Follicular lymphoma is another common type.There are also several rare types and subtypes of this disease.
B-cell lymphomas can be either indolent or aggressive. Indolent lymphomas grow slowly, while aggressive lymphomas may be more likely to spread quickly. Indolent lymphomas may turn into aggressive lymphomas over time. Both indolent and aggressive lymphomas may respond well to treatment.
Diffuse Large B-Cell Lymphoma (DLBCL)
In the United States, approximately 1 out of 3 cases of non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma are ofdiffuse large B-cell lymphoma.In this type, the B cells have a large appearance when viewed under a microscope.
DLBCL can occur at any age, including in children. However, it’s most common in older adults. Most people who get this disease are over 60 years of age.DLBCL is an aggressive form of B-cell lymphoma.
It can develop in or around thelymph nodesand also in any organ of the body, including the gastrointestinal tract and the brain. Even though it’s aggressive, it often responds well to treatment and can, potentially, be cured.
DLBCL has several subtypes. They include:
Follicular Lymphoma
Follicular lymphomaaccounts for 1 in 5 cases of lymphoma in the United States.This type of cancer usually affects people over age 60.
Follicular lymphomas may grow in lymph node sites throughout the body and in the bone marrow. It’s not considered to be a curable condition. However, follicular lymphoma does respond well to treatment. People can live many years with this disease.
Most follicular lymphomas are indolent, but some are aggressive and fast-growing. In some instances, follicular lymphomas may turn into aggressive, diffuse large B-cell lymphomas.
Mantle Cell Lymphoma
Mantle cell lymphomais more commonly found in males than in females.It usually occurs in males aged 60–70.
Mantle cell lymphoma develops from malignant B cells located in an area of the lymph nodes called the mantle zone. Around 5% of lymphomas are mantle cell lymphomas.
Mantle cell lymphoma can be difficult to treat. However, treatments including new medications andstem cell transplantshave shown significant promise for treating this disease.
Marginal Zone Lymphomas
Burkitt Lymphoma
There are several types of Burkitt lymphoma. The type most common in the United States is sporadic Burkitt lymphoma.Sporadic Burkitt lymphoma often starts as a large tumor in the abdomen. In some instances, this condition islinked to the Epstein-Barr virus.
When Burkitt lymphoma is diagnosed and treated early with chemotherapy, it has a cure rate of around 50%.
Other types of this condition include endemic Burkitt lymphoma and immunodeficiency-related Burkitt lymphoma.
Primary Central Nervous System Lymphoma (PCNSL)
This cancer develops in the brain and/or in the spinal cord. Unlike other forms of lymphoma, PCNSL may cause symptoms like confusion and changes in language and behavior.It may also cause vision problems.
PCNSL affects around 1,500 people annually in the United States. It is most common in people who are immunocompromised, especially those with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). It is also found in older individuals.
Primary Intraocular Lymphoma (Eye Lymphoma)
Primary intraocular lymphoma starts in the eyeball. People with primary central nervous system lymphoma may also present with this condition. It is the second most common form of eye cancer in adults.
Common Symptoms of B-Cell Lymphoma
B-cell lymphoma symptoms vary, based on the type or subtype you have. Some common symptoms include:
Based on the location of the tumor, you may also experience trouble breathing, or pain in your chest, back, or stomach. Gastrointestinal symptoms like diarrhea can also occur.
Causes of B-Cell Lymphoma
When a DNA mutation affects one or more critical genes, cancer, including B-cell lymphoma, can result. What causes this chain of events to occur is not readily known or understood.
B-cell lymphoma is not contagious and is not the result of anything you did or did not do.There are potential risk factors which may make you more vulnerable to certain types of B-cell lymphoma. They include:
Getting a Diagnosis
Your healthcare provider will do tests and scans to determine if you have B-cell lymphoma. These tests will also help identify the type of lymphoma you have, its location, stage, and the extent of metastasis (spread). These factors are pivotal for creating an effective treatment plan.
Your doctor will start with a physical examination to look for swollen lymph nodes.
Several blood tests may be done. They include:
If a diagnosis is made, additional tests may be done to determine metastasis (if and where the cancer has spread) and staging. They include:
Treatment for B-Cell Lymphoma
In some instances, treatment will be designed to cure the disease. In others, it will be geared toward reducing spread, controlling the disease, or alleviating symptoms.
Research into treatments for B-cell lymphoma is ever-improving and ongoing. Currently, your doctor may recommend one or more of these treatments:
Keep in mind that the relative survival rate is an estimate, not a prediction about what will happen in your case. It’s also based on the experience of people who were diagnosed at least five years ago—before new treatments were being used.
The five-year relative survival rates for diffuse large B-cell lymphoma, based on patients diagnosed from 2010 to 2016, are:
The five-year relative survival rates for follicular lymphoma, based on patients diagnosed from 2010 to 2016, are:
If you have aggressive lymphoma, your doctor may use the International Prognostic Index (IPI) to determine life-prolonging treatments and potential prognosis. This scale uses these five prognostic indicators:
Some types of B-cell lymphoma, such as Burkitt lymphoma, diffuse large B-cell lymphoma, and marginal zone lymphoma, may be curable.
Other types, such as follicular lymphoma, are not usually curable but respond well to treatment. Even though they can’t be cured, many people live for years or even decades with these conditions.
Coping With a B-Cell Lymphoma Diagnosis
Getting a lymphoma diagnosis is never easy. If you have B-cell lymphoma, it can also be confusing since there are so many types and subtypes. A good place to start is with your doctor or medical team.
Ask as many questions as you need to, and don’t hesitate to request clarification when you’re confused or unsure. Accessing information can help you create a roadmap that will make coping with your diagnosis easier.
If you’re living with a chronic disease or are in the watchful waiting stage, it may be easy to procrastinate and avoid appointments. It’s very important that you adhere to your treatment plan and see your doctor for testing regularly.
The unknown is often scarier than the known. Staying on top of your treatment will help your prognosis, plus provide clarity that will enable you to better cope.
Maintaining healthy habits can also help you cope. Reducing stress, eating healthy food, and getting enough sleep can bolster your strength plus give you a sense of control. Try stress busters like yoga, meditation, and exercise. These strategies may also help you sleep better.
Many people benefit from having a support network. If you already have a caring network of family or friends in place, make sure to stay in touch with the people who can be there for you with a kind word or good advice long term.
You may consider joining a support group of people who are going through the same experience you are. One-on-one support from a therapist may also help. You can find groups as well as therapists through theLeukemia and Lymphoma Society.
Summary
B-cell lymphoma is a type ofnon-Hodgkin’s lymphoma (NHL)that starts in a white blood cell that makes antibodies. The cancerous cells may be found in the lymph nodes, organs, or bone marrow. There are several types of B-cell lymphoma, and some are aggressive, while others are grow slowly.
Symptoms can include enlarged lymph nodes and spleen, fever, night sweats, and unintended weight loss. Diagnostic tests include blood tests, biopsies, and imaging. Treatment depends on the type of B-cell lymphoma and may consist of watchful waiting, chemotherapy, targeted therapy, immunotherapy, radiation, or a stem cell transplant.
A Word From Verywell
Finding out you have B-cell lymphoma can be a shock. The tests, treatments, and side effects can all be challenging to live with.
Keep in mind that survival rates have improved for this diagnosis and new treatments have made a cure or longer life not only possible but likely for many people. Even if the road ahead seems daunting, there is every reason to hope for a good outcome.
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