Follicular Lymphoma: Its Treatment, Causes And Symptoms
One of the cancers that affects older adults is the follicular lymphoma. This kind of non Hodgkin Lymphoma advances quite slowly. It is caused types of white blood cells commonly called the B-cells. It is regard as a type of lower grade or an indolent lymphoma as its behavior is quite slow and its appearance when put under a microscope.
It is similar to other lymphomas as it affects mainly lymph nodes. When affected lymph nodes are examined under the microscope they appear as rounded structures called follicles. Due to its slow development, it could remain in the body unnoticed for years. The cancer can thus be quite advanced before it is diagnosed.
It could be caused by genetic changes that occur within the cells making them to grow faster and abnormally. Scientists also believe that it can be caused by medication that leads to suppression of the immune system and underlying illness. Other causes could be old age, viral infections and chemical exposure among others.
It is usually in 3 stages and many patients are diagnosed in either stage 2 or 3. This is because the disease flares up then regresses many times over the years. It symptoms are in form of minor warning signs that can go unnoticed for long. They include enlargement of the lymph nodes, weight loss, fever, fatigue and sweating among other symptoms.
The diagnosis is carried out by the pathologist by carrying out a lymph node biopsy. The process involves examinations of samples from affected nodes under a microscope. The pathologist can detect presence of the disease by observing features of the affected nodes. These samples undergo further tests to identify the organs affected and the stage. Bone marrow tests, blood tests and CT scans are some of the additional tests. They help in determining the prognosis plus approach to treatment.
When it advances, it could affect other organs like bone marrow and liver which can be life threatening. Various treatment options are available depending on age, stage, prognostic scores and general health of the patient. They include radio therapy in the early stages and chemotherapy or stem cell transplantation at advanced stages. Other approved treatments include use of monoclonal antibody therapy.
Follicular lymphoma is a types of cancer which attacks lymph nodes. At times it is diagnosed at a very advanced stage that is life threatening since it spreads slowly. Older people should therefore go for regular tests so that this cancer can be diagnosed and treated early enough. With proper treatment, the survival range could be over 20 years.
To learn more on symptoms of lymphoma, visit site.
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