This information is intended to provide a general overview of B-cell Lymphoma. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult with a qualified healthcare provider for any health concerns or before making any decisions related to your health.
B-cell lymphoma is a type of non-Hodgkin lymphoma that develops from B-lymphocytes (B-cells), which are essential white blood cells in the body's immune system. It is the most common form of lymphoma, making up approximately 85% of all lymphoma cases. The cancer often begins in the lymph nodes but can also originate in other organs.
B-cell lymphomas are categorised into several types, which have varying growth rates and clinical behaviours:
This is the most prevalent type and is considered an aggressive, fast-growing lymphoma, typically affecting older people. It usually starts as a mass in a lymph node but can form in areas such as the bone, intestine, spinal cord, or brain. DLBCL is now further classified into subtypes based on their molecular characteristics, including Germinal Center B-cell (GCB) and Activated B-cell (ABC).
Site-Specific DLBCL Forms:
The cancer cells grow in circular structures (follicles), typically within lymph nodes. These lymphomas are usually slow-growing (indolent) but have a risk of transforming into the aggressive GCB-type DLBCL.
The cancer cells are identical; the diseases differ by location. SLL cells are mainly in the spleen and lymph nodes, while CLL cells are predominantly in the blood and bone marrow. It usually affects older patients and progresses slowly, but can transform into an aggressive disease called Richter's transformation.
Typically affects the lymph nodes, spleen, and bone marrow at the time of diagnosis, with a highly variable rate of progression. It is more common in men and people over the age of 60.
A group of generally slow-growing B-cell lymphomas. The three main types are distinguished by their initial site of involvement:
A fast-growing B-cell lymphoma. It is much more common in children, especially boys, and accounts for 1-2% of all lymphomas. The first-described type in Africa is often linked to the Epstein-Barr virus.
A rare B-cell condition with features between lymphoma and multiple myeloma. It often becomes apparent due to symptoms caused by high blood levels of tumour-produced IgM immunoglobulin (macroglobulinemia).
Despite the name, HCL is sometimes classified as a type of lymphoma (as the cells are B lymphocytes). It is slow-growing and has high rates of long-term survival or cure.
Non-Hodgkin lymphoma symptoms vary widely and depend on the specific type of disease.
Develops slowly. Patients may have painless lymph node swelling that may come and go, often appearing otherwise healthy.
Grows quicker and tends to have more symptoms, which may include:
It is important to note that these symptoms do not always indicate non-Hodgkin lymphoma. However, you should discuss any symptoms with your doctor as they may signal other health problems.
Accurate and precise diagnosis is crucial as it helps doctors choose the best treatment path and plays a significant role in the chances of successful treatment. At SSCHRC, our group of experts includes hematopathologists, specialised doctors who focus on diagnosing lymphoma and other blood cancers, ensuring a high level of expertise and modern equipment are used to determine the precise extent of the disease.
If symptoms suggest non-Hodgkin lymphoma, your doctor will examine you and take a detailed medical history. One or more of the following tests may be used for diagnosis, staging, or monitoring treatment effectiveness:
A small piece of tissue or the entire node is removed from a lymph node for microscopic examination.
These help to visualise the location and extent of the disease:
SSCHRC is committed to finding advanced therapies that minimise side effects. We often lead clinical trials, which may provide early access to potential new treatments.
If you are diagnosed with non-Hodgkin lymphoma, your doctor will discuss the best options based on factors including:
Treatment is always customised to the patient's particular needs. For indolent (slow-growing) non-Hodgkin lymphoma, the most successful approach often involves strategies that limit or avoid chemotherapy to reduce the impact on your body.
One or more of the following treatments may be recommended:
This is the treatment most often used for non-Hodgkin lymphoma, employing drugs to kill fast-growing cells. Liposomal drug delivery is an advanced way of administering chemotherapy that may enhance its effectiveness.
Uses focused beams of energy to destroy cancer cells. It may be used for early-stage lymphoma or to help relieve symptoms like pain, but is seldom the only treatment.
Drugs that help the body's immune system fight the cancer, sometimes with fewer side effects than other treatments. Immunotherapy for Non-Hodgkin lymphoma may include:
If non-Hodgkin lymphoma does not respond to chemotherapy or if it returns, a stem cell transplant may be recommended to replace defective or damaged blood cells.
This involves closely monitoring the lymphoma without active treatment and is sometimes appropriate for certain patients with low-grade lymphomas.