Types and Symptoms of B-cell Lymphoma

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Types and Symptoms of B-cell Lymphoma

• Are you familiar with B-cell lymphoma? This
  cancer affects the bodys lymphatic system. Learn
  about the different types and their common
  symptoms. If required, visit your doctor
  immediately.  

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What is B-Cell Lymphoma?

• B-cell lymphoma cancer grows in the B cells,
  known as B lymphocytes, which make antibodies to
  fight disease-causing microbes. Most B-cell
  lymphomas are non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL).
• NHL is the name for a group of cancers that
  affect the immune systems white blood cells.
  B-cell lymphomas generally occur in lymph fluid
  and lymph nodes but may also occur in other parts
  of your immune system like bone marrow or the
  spleen. They may also spread to other parts of
  your body such as the liver and brain.

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Different Types of B-Cell Lymphomas

• As mentioned, B-cell lymphoma affects the B cells
  which are part of the immune system. There are
  different types that vary depending on where the
  cancer originates.
• Diffuse Large B-Cell Lymphoma (DLBCL)
• Follicular Lymphoma
• Mantle Cell Lymphoma
• Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia (CLL) / Small
  Lymphocytic Lymphoma (SLL)
• Marginal Zone Lymphomas
• Lymphoplasmacytic Lymphoma (Waldenstrom
  Macroglobulinemia or WM) 
• Burkitt Lymphoma 
• Hairy Cell Leukemia

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Diffuse Large B-Cell Lymphoma (DLBCL)

• This variety attacks all age groups but mostly
  occurs in the elderly. It starts as a
  rapidly-growing mass inside lymph nodes in the
  abdomen, chest, armpit or neck. It may also begin
  in other parts of your body like the intestines,
  brain, bones or spinal cord. This tends to be an
  aggressive and fast-growing cancer but usually
  responds very well to treatment. 

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Follicular Lymphoma

• Follicular lymphoma appears in several lymph node
  sites such as the chest and abdomen. It also
  occurs in bone marrow but it is slow growing.
  Mostly elderly people suffer from this lymphoma
  as it rarely occurs in young people. 

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Mantle Cell Lymphoma

• This lymphoma mainly affects men over 60. By the
  time it is detected it has already spread to your
  bone marrow, spleen, and lymph nodes. It is more
  challenging to treat than other B-cell lymphomas.

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Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia (CLL) / Small
Lymphocytic Lymphoma (SLL)

• In this slow-growing B-cell lymphoma, the cancer
  cells are mostly seen in the blood and bone
  marrow, as well as the spleen and lymph nodes. 

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Marginal Zone Lymphomas

• Like CLL and follicular lymphoma, this is also
  slow-growing. Some of these lymphomas occur in
  the thyroid, lungs, salivary glands, tissues
  surrounding the eyes, and skin. 

9
Lymphoplasmacytic Lymphoma (Waldenstrom
Macroglobulinemia or WM) 

• This is a slow-growing and rare lymphoma that
  affects the spleen and liver. It produces an
  immunoglobulin or antibody known as M-protein.

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Burkitt Lymphoma 

• This fast-growing B-cell lymphoma mostly affects
  the stomach.  

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Hairy Cell Leukemia

• In spite of the name, this cancer is often
  regarded as a kind of B-cell lymphoma. It is a
  rare lymphoma mostly suffered by men. The cells
  are tiny B lymphocytes with projections coming
  out that give them a hair-like appearance. They
  are seen in the blood, bone marrow, or spleen.

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Symptoms of B-Cell Lymphoma?

• Symptoms vary depending on the type of B-cell
  lymphoma, how advanced it is, and where it
  appears. For example, a person with lymphoma in
  the chest may experience chest pain,
  breathlessness, and coughing. 
• The most common sign of B-cell lymphoma is an
  enlarged or swollen lymph node in the groin,
  armpit, or neck. These inflamed lymph nodes are
  generally painless. However, they may create
  pressure on surrounding organs or tissues and
  cause pain and discomfort. 
• Other common symptoms are unexplained tiredness,
  a rash, or itchy skin on the back, stomach, or
  chest. 
• Some signs of this lymphoma are generalized which
  means they can affect your entire body. (They are
  called systemic or B symptoms.) These include
  drenching night sweats, an unexplained high fever
  that wont go away, and unexplained weight loss. 
• A cancer diagnosis is a matter of concern, but
  most B-cell lymphomas respond well to treatment.
  Early detection and treatment can bring excellent
  results, even in those with an aggressive cancer.
  Never delay seeing a doctor about an inflamed
  lymph node or any other above-mentioned cancer
  symptoms.
• Consult healthcare professionals, caregivers, or
  support groups like Lymphoma Canada to learn more
  about this serious disease and how to deal with
  it.