Lymphoma with an aggressive nature: Understanding causes, classifications, and therapeutic approaches
Aggressive Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma (NHL) is a type of cancer that originates in white blood cells called lymphocytes, which are part of the immune system. Experts believe that the exact cause of NHL may involve genetic changes, and there are several risk factors for aggressive lymphomas, including having a weakened immune system, family history, certain infections, autoimmune diseases, exposure to certain drugs and chemicals, and radiation exposure.
Common Types of Aggressive NHL
The most common aggressive types of NHL primarily include:
- Diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL): This is the most common aggressive type of B-cell NHL, accounting for about 30-40% of cases. It grows quickly and requires immediate treatment for the best prognosis. DLBCL can appear in lymph nodes, bone marrow, gastrointestinal system, central nervous system, bones, or skin.
- Burkitt lymphoma: Known for its very aggressive nature but also high treatability if treated promptly. It often affects lymph nodes, bone marrow, gastrointestinal tract, jaw, or facial bones.
Other aggressive subtypes related to DLBCL include:
- Primary mediastinal large B-cell lymphoma
- T-cell/histiocyte-rich large B-cell lymphoma
- EBV-positive DLBCL not otherwise specified
- Intravascular large B-cell lymphoma
While marginal zone lymphomas and follicular lymphomas are generally more indolent or slow-growing, some can evolve into more aggressive forms over time but are not commonly classified as aggressive at diagnosis.
Aggressive lymphomas may also arise from T cells or NK cells, with peripheral T-cell lymphomas also representing a category of aggressive NHL, though less common than aggressive B-cell types.
Symptoms and Diagnosis
Aggressive lymphomas are typically treated immediately. The most common symptom of NHL is painless swelling in a lymph node in the groin, neck, or armpit. Other symptoms may include unintended weight loss, night sweats, itching skin, fever, shortness of breath, rash, and fatigue.
Anaplastic large cell lymphoma (ALCL) typically begins in T cells and may have a protein called CD30 on the cells' surface.
Burkitt lymphoma is a type of aggressive NHL that typically affects children and young adults and is associated with rapid growth and spread.
In summary, the most common aggressive non-Hodgkin lymphomas are diffuse large B-cell lymphoma and Burkitt lymphoma, with several subtypes of DLBCL adding to this group. It is crucial to seek medical attention promptly if experiencing any symptoms related to NHL.
- Other medical conditions that are similarly aggressive include leukemia ALL, as they both originate in lymphocytosis, a condition where there is an abnormal increase in the number of lymphocytes in the blood.
- Understanding the science behind the development of otherlylymphomas, such as aggressive NHL, is crucial for the development of effective health-and-wellness strategies and treatments.
- In the medical-cancer landscape, lymphomas such as aggressive diffuse large B-cell lymphoma, Burkitt lymphoma, and anaplastic large cell lymphoma are some of the more aggressive types that require immediate attention and treatment.
