Large
Cell Lymphoma
Lymphoma is a malignancy found in the lymph system,
specifically in the lymphocytes. The common cells that show
malignancy in lymphoma are the B-cell or B-lymphocytes and the
T-cells or T-lymphocytes. These lymphocytes are responsible for
destroying any pathogens that enter the body and memorize them
for faster destruction the next time they invade the system.
Lymphoma is sub-divided into Hodgkin’s Lymphoma (formerly known
as Hodgkin’s Disease) and Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma. The main
difference between the two is the presence of Reed-Sternberg
cells, commonly found in Hodgkin’s
lymphoma.
Large cell lymphoma is a type of lymphoma categorized under
Non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma. This aggressive type of lymphoma
usually affects the B-lymphocytes more than T-lymphocytes.
Large cell lymphoma is named as such because the malignant
cells in this category are bigger compared to malignant cells
of other types of lymphoma. Because of its similarity with
Burkitt’s lymphoma, careful morphological and clinical studies
must be conducted to prevent giving the wrong type of
treatment.
The cause of large cell lymphoma is unknown. However, viral
infections such as HIV/AIDS and Epstein-Barr virus have been
known as risk factors in developing this condition. Exposure to
radiation during cancer treatment can pose as a risk in
developing secondary lymphoma.
Signs and symptoms of large cell lymphoma are:
o
Swollen, painless lymph nodes
o
Fatigue due to anemia
o
Anorexia
o
Night sweats
o
Unexplained weight loss
o
Unexplained fever
After taking through medical history and physical examination,
biopsy of a lymph node is done to confirm the diagnosis of
large cell lymphoma. This is done by taking a sample tissue
through a minor surgery and studying it under a microscope.
Once the diagnosis is confirmed, several lab tests such as
imaging studies (X-Rays, PET Scan, CT-Scan, Ultrasound) and
blood tests are done to stage the disease.
Treatment of large cell lymphoma is based on the staging. A
combination of immunotherapy and chemotherapy is the usual
management utilized for lymphoma. The drugs usually have
Rituxan, cytoxan, oncovin, and prednisone, a combination of
immunotherapy, chemotherapy, and steroids. This is done
during the aggressive stage of large cell lymphoma. Once the
disease has entered its relapse stage, ICE or DHAP are used.
Stage I and Stage II is treated with local radiation therapy,
although radiation therapy is also applied along with
chemotherapy once large cell lymphoma is at the later stage.
Bone marrow transplant is done as a form of aggressive
treatment as a last attempt to combat the disease. Research is
still being done to fully understand the cause of large cell
lymphoma so proper treatment can be done without causing too
much stress on the body brought about by the aggressive effects
of the medication.
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