B Cell Lymphoma
B cell lymphoma is a cancer that affects a type of white blood cells called B cells. B cells confer
protection to an individual such that when B cells match with antigens or foreign bodies, a signal is set
off. B cells create clones which results to the production of two cell types. First is the plasma cell
specialized in producing antibodies that destroy antigens and second is the memory cell that remember
specific intruders which is utilized for the body's immunity on second exposure. [1]
On B cell lymphoma, B cells undergo mutation so that as these cancerous cells clone themselves,
cancer proliferates. [2] Genetic origin has been widely implicated on its etiology. There are however
several other associated factors proposed to its cause. These are environmental factors, viruses,
immunodeficiency states and other disease states such as celiac sprue and inflammatory bowel disease.[3]
Early sign of B cell lymphoma is usually a painless swelling in the neck, armpit or groin. The
spleen may be enlarged which may cause abdominal discomfort. Pain or numbness may also be
experienced when the enlarged lymph node presses against a certain part such as blood vessel or nerve. A
number of patients also report itching which occurs usually in the lower extremities.[4] Symptoms can also
include night sweats, high fever, inadvertent weight loss, chest pain, difficulty breathing and long
standing cough. [2] Lethargy may also be noted.
Since the symptoms are mostly non-specific and manifest also in other diseases, several tests are
performed to make an accurate diagnosis. Physical exam and medical history are at all times the initial
step. Complete blood counts are usually ordered and screening chemistries such as Lactate
Dehydrogenase (LDH) may be obtained. Chest X-ray and CT scan are usually done to identify sites of
involvement. Biopsy serves as important tool in staging and determining the type of B cell lymphoma.[2]
Other exams such as MIR and gallium scanning may be performed as case-to-case basis.
Prognosis and treatment depend on stage, grade, specific type of lymphoma, patient's age and
aggressiveness of the disease. Treatment options include chemotherapy, radiation therapy, stem cell
transplantation and radio immunotherapy.[2]
References:
1. http://www.nobelprize.org/educational/medicine/immunity//immune-detail.html
2. http://www.lymphomainfo.net/nhl/b-cell.html
3. http://emedicine.medscape.com/article/202677-overview#aw2aab6b3
4. http://www.emedicinehealth.com/lymphoma/page3_em.htm#Lymphoma%20Symptoms
Summary References
Treatments:
1. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/10676951
2. http://www.uptodate.com/patients/content/topic.do?topicKey=~_A_wWD0CCiiZmX
3. http://www.lymphomation.org/type-follicular.htm
4. http://www.cancer.gov/cancertopics/types/non-hodgkin
5. http://www.cancer.org/Cancer/Non-HodgkinLymphoma/DetailedGuide/non-hodgkin-lymphoma-what-is-non-hodgkin-lymphoma
6. http://www.macmillan.org.uk/Cancerinformation/Cancertypes/Lymphomanon-Hodgkin/TypesofNHL/DiffuselargeB-cell.aspx#DynamicJumpMenuManager_6_Anchor_4
7. http://www.cancercenter.com/b_cell_lymphoma.cfm
8. http://www.leukemia-lymphoma.org/attachments/National/br_1161891669.pdf
9. http://www.merck.com/mmhe/sec14/ch177/ch177c.html
