Diffuse Large B-cell Lymphoma - An Overview

What Is Diffuse Large B-cell Lymphoma?

Diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) is a cancer of the WBCs (white blood cells) known as lymphocytes. It often develops in lymph nodes that are part of the immune system; they are pea-sized glands in the neck, groin, armpits, and other body areas. However, diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) can manifest in different body parts.

Diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) spreads quickly but is also curable following therapy. Therefore, researchers are also attempting to improve treatments.

What Is the Etiology of Diffuse Large B-Cell Lymphoma?

The lymphatic system is responsible for the body's ability to fight infection. Diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) damages the lymphatic system organs causing the regular B-cells to increase and become aberrant, thus leading to malignancy.

What Is the Occurrence of Diffuse Large B-Cell Lymphoma?

DLBCL is a fast-growing and aggressive non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma that targets B-lymphocytes. Although it can develop in childhood, the prevalence of DLBCL rises with age, and most people are over 60 when diagnosed.

DLBCL can develop in the skin, lymph nodes, testes, gastrointestinal tract, thyroid, breast, bone, brain, or any body organ. It can be confined to a single location or spread throughout the body. Despite being a dangerous lymphoma, DLBCL is mostly curable.

How Is Diffuse Large B-Cell Lymphoma Classified?

Lymphoma is classified into two types: Hodgkin's and non-Hodgkin's. The most prevalent kind of non-Hodgkin's lymphoma is DLBCL. However, it is a rapidly spreading blood malignancy that must be treated as soon as possible.

What Are the Signs and Symptoms of Diffuse Large B-Cell Lymphoma?

The following are the key symptoms associated with diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL):

• Lymph node enlargement.

• Sweating during the night.

• Weight loss.

• Lack of appetite.

• Excessive exhaustion.

• Lethargy.

• Fever.

• Itching.

• Stomach ache.

• Diarrhea.

• Blood in the feces.

• Coughing.

• Shortness of breath.

What Are the Risk Factors for Diffuse Large B-Cell Lymphoma?

Diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) has an unknown etiology. However, a few factors that have been identified as increasing the risk are as follows:

1. Age- It commonly affects people in their forties and fifties. However, the average age upon diagnosis is 64 years old.

2. Gender- Men are more at risk than women.

3. Family History- A parent or sibling with a history of diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) or any type of lymphoma increases the risk.

4. Compromised Immune System- If a person’s immune system has been impaired by chronic illnesses such as human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) or an organ transplant.

What Is the Staging for Diffuse Large B-Cell Lymphoma?

Cancer staging is a method for determining how far a malignancy has spread. For example, there are four phases in diffuse large B-cell lymphoma as follows:

Stage 1: The malignancy has only affected one organ.

Stage 2: Cancer has spread to two or more diaphragm sections.

Stage 3: Cancer has spread to both sides of the diaphragm. At this stage, diffuse large B-cell lymphoma has progressed to organs other than the lymphatic system, such as the lungs or bones.

Additionally, use the following letters to characterize diffuse large B-cell lymphoma stages better:

A: The individual has diffuse large B-cell lymphoma but has no signs of the illness.

B: The individual has diffuse large B-cell lymphoma.

E: Diffuse large B-cell lymphoma has expanded outside the lymphatic system and is found in the spleen.

How Is Diffuse Large B-cell Lymphoma Diagnosed?

Biopsy- A biopsy is the removal of tissue and subsequent examination of the tissue under a microscope to identify the presence of lymphoma. DLBCL is diagnosed with a biopsy of a swollen lymph node or an aberrant region. This treatment may be performed under general or local anesthetic, depending on various criteria, including the location of the afflicted area.

What Is the Treatment for Diffuse Large B-Cell Lymphoma?

Several factors influence DLBCL treatment. Whether the condition is confined or progressed will be the most critical aspect in determining therapy options. DLBCL treatments often involve chemotherapy and radiation.

• Diffuse Large B-Cell Lymphoma (DLBCL) Chemotherapy- Chemotherapy stops the reproduction of rapidly developing cancer cells. R-CHOP (Rituximab, Cyclophosphamide, Doxorubicin, Vincristine, Prednisone) is the most often used chemotherapy treatment. Chemotherapeutic drugs are administered either orally or intravenously. Four drugs are administered intravenously (IV), while Prednisone is administered orally. R-CHOP (Rituximab, Cyclophosphamide, Doxorubicin, Vincristine, Prednisone) is typically given every three weeks for four to six cycles.

• Diffuse Large B-Cell Lymphoma (DLBCL) Radiation Therapies- Radiation therapy is a treatment that uses high-intensity X-rays to target cancer cells. It is more effective, especially when combined with chemotherapy.

• Diffuse Large B-Cell Lymphoma (DLBCL) Immunotherapy- Immunotherapy medications use antibodies to recognize and eliminate groupings of cancer cells. Rituximab is an immunotherapy drug recommended; however, it is contraindicated in people with heart diseases.

• Diffuse Large B-Cell Lymphoma (DLBCL) Surgical Procedure- DLBCL is seldom treated surgically. However, surgery may be required to remove the afflicted regions if cancer has advanced to organs such as the spleen or kidney. If cancer has not spread, radiotherapy may be used instead of surgery.

• Diffuse Large B-Cell Lymphoma (DLBCL) Stem Cell Transplants- A stem cell transplant replaces the bone marrow's malignant white blood cells with healthy white blood cells. The cells are formed from either the body or donor stem cells. This treatment is used in conjunction with a strong dosage of chemotherapy to eliminate cancer cells. The healthy stem cells will be reintroduced to the body once the chemotherapy has destroyed the cancer cells. Stem cell transplants are only utilized in diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) persons who have relapsed after initial therapy.

• Early-stage Diffuse Large B-Cell Lymphoma (DLBCL) Treatment- Treatment for early-stage DLBCL typically consists of three cycles of R-CHOP (Rituximab, Cyclophosphamide, Doxorubicin, Vincristine, Prednisone) chemotherapy along with radiation therapy.

• Advanced Diffuse Large B-Cell Lymphoma (DLBCL) Treatment- A combination of chemotherapy and immunotherapy medicines treats advanced DLBCL. However, severe diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) requires extra rounds of drugs every three weeks.

Conclusion:

When treated early, diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) is considered curable. However, the sooner they are diagnosed, the better prognosis. Diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) therapies have substantial adverse effects. Therefore, treat diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) as soon as feasible.