When cancer develops in the B cells, it is called a B-cell lymphoma.
B-cell lymphoma is a throw in of non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma.
DLBCL is the most common throw in oflymphomain the United States.
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DLBCL Statistics
DLBCL is the most common pop in of non-Hodgkin lymphoma.
It is most likely to be diagnosed in people between the ages of 65 and 74.
Causes
The exact cause of DLBCL is often unknown, but research is ongoing.
Normal cells have a predictable growth pattern of cell division.
Genetic mutations in B cells can result in DLBCL.
These risk factors include:
In the United States, DLBCL is most often diagnosed in White people.
Symptoms
A variety of symptoms is associated with DLBCL.
Men are more likely to be diagnosed with DLBCL.
Diagnosis
There are many steps to the process of diagnosing DLBCL.
These steps include a physical examination, blood testing, imaging tests, and a biopsy.
There will also be an evaluation of your history to see if there are any risk factors present.
This can be done usually with acomputed tomography(CT) scan or apositron-emission tomography(PET) scan.
The scans are similar in that they both evaluate anatomy and can look for the presence of anything abnormal.
However, a PET scan can also show metabolic activity.
When cells are metabolically active, they are growing quickly and may be lymphoma cells.
During a PET scan, a special tracer attached to a sugar is injected before the scan.
The sugar and tracer are taken up by the lymphoma cells (and other actively growing cells).
On the scan, they appear bright.
The brighter the color, the more active the cells are in that location.
Biopsy
Ultimately, abiopsyis performed.
During a biopsy, tissue from an abnormal lymph node is removed and evaluated in a lab.
Abone marrow biopsymay also need to be done.
These samples are tested to see if lymphoma cells are present in the bone marrow.
It can impact prognosis as well.
Stages range from 1 to 4, with 4 meaning lymphoma has spread into distant parts of the body.
Many treatment options are available for DLBCL, and multiple treatments may be combined.
For DBCLC, chemotherapy consists of multiple medications given in cycles every few weeks.
The medical oncologist will recommend the exact chemotherapy regimen.
Immunotherapy
With immunotherapy, the bodys own immune system is used to kill the lymphoma cells.
The T cells are then changed to allow them to attack the cancer.
These T cells are then infused back into the patient.
Targeted Therapy
Monoclonal antibodies can target specific proteins on the outside of lymphoma cells.
These allow for more selective destruction of lymphoma cells vs. chemotherapy, which isnt as selective.
Other targeted therapies include Xpovio (selinexor).
Xpovio is an immunomodulating drug that targets specific proteins in cancer cells, causing them to die.
Xpovio is taken by mouth twice weekly for the treatment of DLBCL.
It can be particularly useful if there is an area where lymphoma is causing significant symptoms, includingpain.
Radiation treatment to the entire body may also be used before stem cell transplant.
High doses of chemotherapy, possibly along with whole-body radiation, are given to kill any lymphoma cells.
Even if it has spread, it may still be cured.
The lower the score, the more likely they will be cured.
They should also be able to tell you the exact length of time your treatment will run.
These treatments are not often painful, but frequent lab draws and infusions may be a little uncomfortable.
Finding a support system is important when going through treatment for DLBCL.
Talk to your cancer care team to help find resources in your area.
Summary
DLBCL is a cancer of the B cells in the lymphatic system.
The exact cause often is unknown.
Symptoms of DLBCL can include swollen lymph nodes, weight loss, and drenching night sweats.
It is diagnosed through imaging studies and, ultimately, a biopsy.
Treatment options can include chemotherapy, radiation, targeted therapy, immunotherapy, or a stem cell transplant.
A Word From Verywell
Getting a diagnosis of lymphoma can be a very uneasy and stressful time.
Find a cancer care team that you feel comfortable with.
Stay informed on your options for treatment and the side effects those treatments may bring.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, DLBCL can be cured.
People can live for many years beyond a diagnosis of DLBCL.
Signs of DLBCL can include:
DLBCL is often not painful.
The enlarged lymph nodes, usually in the armpit, neck, or groin are usually painless.
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