Lymphoma is a type of blood cancer that develops in a part of the body’s immune system called the lymph system. There are two types of lymphoma called the Hodgkin lymphoma and non-Hodgkin lymphoma. The non-Hodgkin lymphoma can develop in a type of white blood cells called the lymphocytes which grow and continue to multiply uncontrollably. The non-Hodgkin lymphomas can develop in two types of white blood cells; the T cells or the B cells. The follicular lymphoma is the common type of non-Hodgkin lymphoma affecting the B-cells. This type of cancer is also the common form of indolent cancer which is slow growing that may not require treatment although it will be monitored. In most cases, by the time the symptoms develop, the individuals are diagnosed with stage 3 or 4 follicular lymphoma. It is known as the follicular lymphoma because of the abnormal collection of lymphocytes in the lymph nodes in clusters which are known as follicles. This mostly develops among individuals over the age of 50 although it can affect people of any age. Although the exact cause of follicular lymphoma is not known, several cases are associated with certain genetic and chromosome changes.
Symptoms
Although individuals with follicular lymphoma often develop few symptoms, it is possible not to have any. One of the common symptoms is the swollen lymph nodes under the arms, groin or the neck. Mostly the swollen lymph’s are painless and may be found accidentally. Additional symptoms include loss of appetite, weight loss, fatigue, frequent infections, fever, sweating at night and skin itchiness. If it affects parts outside the lymph nodes, other symptoms may develop such as shortness of breath or abdominal pain. If it occurs in the bone marrow, it can result in low blood counts that can present anemia, shortness of breath and low platelets count that can cause easy bruising or bleeding.
Diagnosis
The diagnosis is based on a biopsy that removes a part or all of the lymph node which will be examined under the microscope. In some cases, the biopsy may be required from other body tissues. In addition, various other tests may also be necessary such as blood tests, scans and x-rays. A bone marrow test can also help determine the type of lymphoma and the stage of the disease.
Treatment
The treatment is based on every individual’s situation. If cancer is diagnosed in its early stage and is symptom-free, the wait-and-see approach may be initiated although the condition will be monitored for changes with various laboratory and imaging tests. When it is localized to a particular area, a local radiation therapy may be required. If the disease is progressing, the chemotherapy or radiation therapy may be necessary. In the case of advanced follicular lymphoma, stem cell therapy is the treatment option.
References
http://www.leukaemia.org.au/blood-cancers/lymphomas/non-hodgkin-lymphoma-nhl/follicular-lymphoma
https://www.lymphomas.org.uk/about-lymphoma/types/non-hodgkin-lymphoma/follicular-lymphoma
http://www.lymphoma.org/site/pp.asp?c=bkLTKaOQLmK8E&b=6300155
