Major Types Of Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma And Their Signs

Non-Hodgkin lymphoma is a type of cancer that affects the lymphatic system that runs throughout the body and involves a network of vessels and glands and is part of the immune system. It facilitates the movement of the lymph fluid that fights the invasion of pathogens. Non-Hodgkin lymphoma causes the affected cells to multiply abnormally and begin to collect in different parts of the body. Symptoms include painless swollen lymph nodes, persistent fatigue, fever, and weight loss. According to various sources, non-Hodgkin lymphoma is among the most common types of cancers accounting for about four percent of diagnosed cases. Some of the risk factors include old age, certain viral and bacterial infections, and medication used to suppress the immune system. Below are the different types of non-Hodgkin lymphoma.

Diffuse Large B-Cell Lymphoma

Diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) is the most prevalent type of non-Hodgkin lymphoma in United States accounting to approximately thirty percent of cases. It mostly occurs in older individuals and affects the B-cells responsible for producing antibodies. However, it can also occur in children, but rare cases have been reported.

DLBCL grows rapidly in a matter of few weeks and occurs in the lymph nodes and other parts of the body. The tumor can be located in a single spot or spread throughout the body. Causes of DLBCL have not been established, but a weakened immune system is definitely a risk factor. Also, exposure to radiation and chemotherapy increases the chances of getting the diseases.

According to the World Health Organization, there are over a dozen subtypes of DLBCL. One of the common subtypes is the primary mediastinal large B-cell lymphoma that originates in the thymus lymph nodes. DLBCL that does not conform to any of the subtypes is classified as diffuse large B-cell lymphoma, not otherwise specified.

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