Lymphoma is a type of blood cancer that begins in the white blood cells called lymphocytes which grow and continue to multiply uncontrollably. There are two types of lymphocytes; B cells and T cells. These cancerous cells can travel to other parts of the body such as the spleen, lymph nodes, blood and bone marrow forming the tumor. The two main forms of lymphoma are Hodgkin and non-Hodgkin lymphoma. The T-cell lymphomas only account for around 15% of all the non-Hodgkin lymphomas in the United States. This cancer can either be indolent which is slow growing that may not require immediate treatment or the aggressive fast growing cancer that requires immediate treatment. There are several sub-types of T-cell lymphomas some of which rarely develops.
Some of the types of T-cell lymphoma
Peripheral T-cell lymphoma not otherwise specified (PTCL-NOS)
This is one of the most common types of T-cell lymphomas. Most of the individuals diagnosed with the PTCL-NOS usually present lymphoma within the lymph nodes although sites outside the lymph nodes are also evident in areas such as the bone marrow, gastrointestinal tract and the liver. This is considered to be an aggressive form of cancer and the treatment requires combination chemotherapy.
Cutaneous T-cell lymphoma
This is a rare type of non-Hodgkin lymphoma that develops on the skin caused by the T-cell lymphocytes which continue to grow in an uncontrolled manner. The symptoms include the raised, rash like patches on the skin, itchiness, swollen lymph nodes and the presence of lumps on the skin. This is a very slow growing lymphoma and if it can be diagnosed in the early stage, the treatment is focused on the skin that consists of creams, a light therapy called PUVA and radiotherapy. If this type of lymphoma appears to be widespread, the treatment includes chemotherapy, retinoid tablets and a light therapy called extracorporeal phototherapy.
Anaplastic large cell lymphoma
This is a rare form of non-Hodgkin lymphoma that commonly affects the children and young adults. The uncontrolled T-cells multiply uncontrollably that accumulates in various parts of the body such as the lymph nodes, skin and the lungs. The symptoms of this lymphoma are based on the part of the body involved. The common symptoms include fever, loss of appetite, fatigue, night sweats and weight loss. The anaplastic large cell lymphoma is grouped as ALK-positive or ALK-negative based on the presence of a protein called anaplastic lymphoma kinase. As this is an aggressive lymphoma, the treatment should be initiated soon after diagnosis that can include radiotherapy or stem cell transplants. Anaplastic large cell lymphoma is considered to respond well to treatment although it can come back sometimes requiring further treatment.
T-cell lymphoblastic lymphoma
This type of lymphoma commonly affects the children and teenagers. It develops when the lymphocytes continue to grow in an uncontrolled manner which can accumulate in various parts of the body causing its associated symptoms. The treatment is based on the biopsy that involves a procedure to remove a sample of cells and various other tests to determine that stage of cancer. As this is an aggressive form of cancer, the treatment is initiated with a combination of chemotherapy drugs to destroy cancer cells.
References
http://www.lymphoma.org/site/pp.asp?c=bkLTKaOQLmK8E&b=6300161
https://www.cancer.org/cancer/non-hodgkin-lymphoma.html
