Guide To The Different Types Of Lymphoma

Lymphomas are forms of cancer that start in the lymphocytes. These are the immune system cells responsible for battling pathogens. When these cells are cancerous, they can travel through the bloodstream and the lymphatic system. They often spread to the liver, lungs, bone marrow, and spleen. Common symptoms found in lymphomas are fatigue, fever, unexplained weight loss, and swollen lymph nodes. There are many forms of this cancer. Most fall into two major categories: Hodgkin lymphoma and Non-Hodgkin lymphoma.

Living with lymphoma is quite difficult. That said, treatment is possible. Stem cell transplants and chemotherapy are the most popular by far. Patients are encouraged to seek out the best Hodgkin lymphoma treatment centers near them.

Diffuse Large B-Cell Lymphoma

Diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) is a form of non-Hodgkin lymphoma. It is the most common type and makes up 30 percent of cases. It has over 12 subtypes. Older people are the ones most likely to develop this kind of lymphoma. As the name suggests, DLBCL affects the B-cells, which are the cells that produce antibodies. This is a rapidly growing type of lymphoma and can spread in just a few weeks to lymph nodes and other body parts.

A cause has not been identified, which makes this cancer quite scary. It is clear, however, that a weakened immune system increases the risk of this lymphoma. Additionally, radiation and chemotherapy, though they’re used to treat this lymphoma, also increase the risk of developing it.

Follicular Lymphoma

The next most common form of non-Hodgkin lymphoma is follicular lymphoma. It accounts for 20 percent of all cases. This type affects the white blood cells. It is slow-growing, which is good news. Women are the most affected, and the median age is 60 years old, according to experts. Unfortunately, follicular lymphoma does not often show symptoms until it is stage 3 or 4. When symptoms do appear, the first is painless swelling in the lymph nodes. This is followed by shortness of breath, appetite loss, and fatigue.

When tumors in this type of lymphoma are localized and have not spread, chemotherapy and radiation are the best treatment options. Unfortunately, advanced follicular lymphoma is not curable. The average survival time for patients is 20 years.

MALT Lymphoma

MALT lymphoma affects the mucosa-associated lymphoid tissues in the lymphatic system. Like follicular lymphoma, it is a slow-growing type of lymphoma. It is the third most common form of non-Hodgkin lymphoma and accounts for 8 percent of cases. It is most common in individuals over 60 years old, but can appear at any age. H. pylori infection is a serious risk factor for this type of lymphoma.

The tissues it affects are located in the salivary and thyroid glands, as well as the gastrointestinal tract. MALT lymphoma is most common in the stomach, with over 70 percent of its cases appearing here. Antibiotics are the most common treatment for MALT lymphoma that appears in the stomach. Chemotherapy is reserved for advanced stages of this lymphoma, and cases that occur in other body parts are typically treated with radiation or surgery.

Mantle Cell Lymphoma

Mantle cell lymphoma (MCL) is a rarer form of non-Hodgkin lymphoma. It begins at the outer mantle of the lymph node follicles. This is because of abnormal B-cell transformation. The affected cells enter the bloodstream or lymphatic system and spread to other areas of the body. Once again, this form of lymphoma is most common in those over 60 years old. Men are affected more often than women. The cause isn’t clear, but many cases are related to translocation, a genetic abnormality.

Symptoms of this form of lymphoma are unexplained weight loss, fever, fatigue, and an enlarged liver. Because the symptoms are painless, most cases of MCL are not diagnosed until the advanced stages. This does not bode well for patient prognosis. There is no cure, though treatments used include the standards: surgery, chemotherapy, and radiotherapy.

Other Types Of Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma

There are, of course, even rarer forms of non-Hodgkin lymphoma. Small lymphocytic lymphoma is slow-growing and makes up less than 5 percent of cases. Treatment usually begins at the advanced stages, with chemotherapy being the most common method used. Splenic marginal zone B-cell lymphoma (SMLZ) is slow-growing and affects the blood, bone marrow, and spleen. It is closely linked with hepatitis C infections. Men are most often affected, and typically when they are 65 years old or older. Unfortunately, SMLZ is not usually caught early. Treatment usually includes medication and chemotherapy. However, the spleen can be surgically removed if it gets enlarged and puts too much pressure on nearby organs.