A type of non-Hodgkin lymphoma, follicular lymphoma is a slow-growing cancer that occurs in one’s bone marrow, lymph nodes, and other organs. Approximately 3.5 people in every 100,000 suffer from this disease. One can have follicular lymphoma and not experience any symptoms. Doctors regard the condition as a chronic illness, but there are several ways to manage it. Continue reading to know more about the causes, symptoms, diagnosis methods, and treatment options.
Causes
Researchers have not yet determined the real cause of follicular lymphoma. It is not passed down across family members, as may be the case with many types of cancers. Cancer-causing chemicals, radiation, or some infections are the most prevalent causes of follicular lymphoma. The susceptibility usually increases as one ages. On average, people are diagnosed with follicular lymphoma when they are 60 or older. Furthermore, the risk for developing this cancer is higher if one has rheumatoid arthritis, HIV, celiac disease, or lupus.
Symptoms
Most people do not experience any critical symptoms. Typically, in the initial stages, one may experience swollen lymph nodes in the abdomen, groin, underarms, or neck. This often does not cause any pain. A few other signs that people may experience are:
- Night sweats
- Fatigue
- Fever
- Frequent infections
- Shortness of breath
Diagnosis
The doctor will check for any external symptoms. In the physical examination, he/she will assess if any enlarged or hardened lymph nodes exist in the body. They will then examine other organs for swelling or build-up of abdominal fluid. In addition to this, one may be asked some questions about any recurring symptoms. If the doctor suspects the presence of follicular lymphoma, they will order some tests for diagnosis, including:
Blood test
This is to check RBC (red blood cell), WBC (white blood cell), LDH (lactate dehydrogenase), and platelets in one’s body. Typically, people with follicular lymphoma will have an elevated level of LDH enzyme.
Biopsy
Biopsy can also help with the diagnosis. The doctor will take a small portion or the whole lymph node, and send it for an assessment. At times, a laparoscopy helps take the tissue sample from abdominal organs. This procedure employs a laparoscope. The biopsy is known to be a highly accurate way to diagnose follicular lymphoma.
Imaging tests
One may undergo a CT and PET scan to acquire 3D images of the organs and the tissues. These tests employ radioactive glucose. The malignant cells absorb higher amounts of this glucose than the normal cells. Hence, they will appear brighter on the scan.
Fluorescence in situ hybridization test
It is used to locate a particular DNA sequence on a chromosome. This is important as certian genomic changes are visible in those suffering from follicular lymphoma.
PCR (polymerase chain reaction) test
It copies and identifies the small DNA segments to assess genetic alterations.
Bone marrow testing
The doctor may recommend a bone marrow biopsy to confirm the presence of lymphoma.
Treatment options
Here is a list of some treatment options that help with managing follicular lymphoma.
Active monitoring
In some people, follicular lymphoma is slow-growing and does not cause any problematic symptoms. In such cases, the doctors generally monitor the patient for some time without any treatment.
Monoclonal antibodies
Our body’s immune system guards it by combating foreign substances that carry antigens on the surface. Scientists can create antibodies that target cancerous cells in several ways, enabling the immune system to kill them.
Radiation therapy
It employs high-beam X-rays to kill malignant cells. Radiation therapy involves the usage of a carefully focused radiation beam delivered via a machine outside the body.
Chemotherapy
It involves anti-cancer prescription treatments that are taken orally. They enter the bloodstream and can travel to almost all the areas in the body.
Stem cell transplants
Here, the doctors collect healthy blood cells from the donors or patients to restore bone marrow functioning, wherein the stem cells are made. Typically, one may undergo this transplant after chemotherapy. Usually, doctors employ this treatment for patients who relapse after receiving treatment.
Radioimmunotherapy
It is a combination treatment comprising monoclonal antibodies and radiation therapy. As part of this, the radioactive substance is added to the monoclonal antibody.
Combination therapies
Some people may need more than one treatment option. If this is the case, treatment typically involves a combination of radiation and antibodies or radiation and chemotherapy. Doctors usually work with the patients to devise a suitable plan of action.