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Types of Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma
Follicular Lymphoma
Follicular lymphomas make up about 1 in 4 lymphomas
in the US. Because the cells frequently grow in a circular or nodular pattern, the term "follicular"
is used to describe them.pattern in lymph nodes.
This lymphoma typically affects patients between the ages of 60 and 70. In very young people, it is uncommon.
The majority of the time, this lymphoma develops in the bone marrow as well as numerous lymph node locations
throughout the body. In about 10% of cases, it only involves lymph nodes in one part of the body.
Although it is usually not considered curable by standard treatment, this is often a very slow-growing lymphoma,
and the 5-year survival rate (the percentage of people surviving at least 5 years) is around 60% to 70%. If the
patient exhibits no symptoms of the illness, these lymphomas are frequently not treated when they are initially
discovered. Over time, out of 3 follicular lymphomas about 1 changes (transforms) into a fast-growing
diffuse B-cell lymphoma.
Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia /Small Lymphocytic Lymphoma
About 1 in 4 lymphomas are caused by these diseases. Both chronic lymphocytic leukemia
(CLL) and small lymphocytic leukemia (SLL) are caused by the same type of cell, also referred
to as a small lymphocyte. The location of the cancer is the only distinction. In SLL, it is
primarily in the lymph nodes; in CLL, it is primarily in the blood and bone marrow.
Both conditions progress slowly, though CLL, which is more prevalent, has a tendency to do so. CLL and SLL are not
considered curable with standard treatments, but depending on the stage and growth rate of the disease, most
patients can live longer than 10 years. Occasionally over time, these slow-growing
lymphomas transform into a more aggressive type of lymphoma
For more detailed information, see the American Cancer Society document, Leukemia -- Chronic Lymphocytic.
Mantle Cell Lymphoma
Only about 5% of lymphomas are of this type. The cells are small
to medium.
Men are affected most often. The average age of patients is in the early 60s. The lymphoma is usually widespread when
it is diagnosed, involving lymph nodes, bone marrow, and, very often, the spleen.
Although this isn't a very fast growing lymphoma, it is hard to treat. Only about 1 in 5 patients survive at least
5 years. Newer, more aggressive treatments may be more effective than those used in the past, which may help improve
the survival rates of patients now being diagnosed.
Marginal Zone B-cell lymphomas
Marginal zone lymphomas account for about 4% of
lymphomas. The cells in these
lymphomas look small under the microscope. There are 3 main
types of marginal zone lymphomas.
Extranodal marginal zone B-cell lymphomas (also known as
mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue lymphomas):
hese lymphomas start in places other than
the lymph nodes (hence the name "extranodal")and are the most common type. Most mucosa-associated lymphoid
issue (MALT) lymphomas arise in the stomach and are
thought to be related to an infection by the bacteria Helicobacter pylori, which is also the cause of stomach
lcers. Other possible sites of MALT lymphomas include
the lung, skin, thyroid, salivary glands, and tissues surrounding the eye. Usually it is confined to the area
here it begins and is not widespread. Many of these other MALT lymphomas have also been linked to infections with bacteria or
viruses.
The average age of patients with this lymphoma is about 60.
It is a lymphoma that grows slowly and is frequently curable in its
early stages. For this type of lymphoma, particularly MALT lymphoma of the
stomach, doctors frequently start with antibiotics because they may clear the
Helicobacter pylori infection.
Nodal marginal zone B-cell lymphoma:
This is a rare disease, found mainly in older women. Mostly lymph nodes are involved, although the cells can also
sometimes be found in the bone marrow.
This tends to be a slow-growing lymphoma (although not usually as slow as MALT lymphoma), and many patients are
cured if they are diagnosed in the early stages.
Splenic marginal zone B-cell lymphoma:
This is a rare lymphoma. Most often the lymphoma is found only in the spleen and bone marrow.
Patients are often elderly and male and suffer from fatigue and discomfort caused by an enlarged spleen. Because
the disease is slow-growing, treatment may not be needed unless the symptoms become troublesome.
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