Diffuse large B cell lymphoma (patient information)
Overview
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Diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL or DLBL) is a cancer of B cells, a type of white blood cell responsible for producing antibodies. Diffuse large B cell lymphoma is the most common type of non-Hodgkin lymphoma among adults, with an annual incidence of 7–8 cases per 100,000 people per year. This cancer occurs primarily in older individuals, with a median age of diagnosis at approximately 70 years of age, though it can also occur in children and young adults in rare cases.
Symptoms of DLBCL
The most common symptoms of diffuse large B cell lymphoma include a rapidly enlarging, non-painful lumps/masses that may be located in neck, groin, or abdomen. The less common symptoms of diffuse large B cell lymphoma include fever, weight loss, and drenching night sweats also known as ''B symptoms". Other symptoms might depend on the organ of Involvement for example DLBCL in Chest can lead to shortness of breath or cough while DLBCL involving gut or Stomach can cause Abdominal Pain/ Diarrhea/ Bleeding etc
Risk Factors
According to the American Cancer Society, There are several Factors including Old Age, Male Gender, White Ethnicity, Geography, exposure to Certain Drugs and Chemicals, Radiation exposure, and weak Immune System that can increase the chances of getting Non Hodgkin Lymphoma(NHL) among which Diffuse Large B cell Lymphoma is the Most common sub-type. Some Other Risk Factors include hepatitis C virus (HCV) seropositivity, high body mass as a young adult, HIV, and Family History of Lymphoma
Diagnosis
Diagnostic Work up for Diffuse Large B cell Lymphoma include Laboratory tests including Complete Blood count (CBC), Comprehensive Metabolic Panel, LDH and Uric acid Levels, Genetic testing, molecular diagnostic assays and immunophenotyping. Screening tests for Hepatitis B, Hepatitis C and HIV are usually recommended after diagnosis. Excisional Lymph node or tissue biopsy is diagnostic of diffuse large B cell lymphoma.
When to seek Medical Care
As per American Cancer Society, Symptoms of Lymphoma can vary. It can present early or may not cause any symptoms till late. Below are some of the symptoms that should be concerning and need urgent evaluation by a healthcare professional
- Lumps under the skin ( Sides of Neck, Groin, Underarms, Above the Collar Bone)
- Weight loss
- Fever
- Sweating and Chills
- Fatigue
- Swollen Belly
- Chest Pain/ Pressure
- Shortness of Breath/ Cough
Treatment Options
What to Expect (Prognosis)
The prognosis of diffuse large B cell lymphoma depends on the stage of the disease. Overall survival for older adults at five years is around 58% while for children with diffuse large B-cell lymphomas, most studies have found 5-year survival rates ranging from about 70% to more than 90%. The Germinal-center sub-type has the best prognosis, with 66.6% of treated patients surviving more than five years