What is Large Cell Lymphoma?

Lymphoma is a malignancy found in the lymph system, specifically in the lymphocytes. The common cells that show malignancy in lymphoma are the B-cell or B-lymphocytes and the T-cells or T-lymphocytes. These lymphocytes are responsible for destroying any pathogens that enter the body and memorize them for faster destruction the next time they invade the system. Lymphoma is sub-divided into Hodgkin's Lymphoma (formerly known as Hodgkin's Disease) and Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma. The main difference between the two is the presence of Reed-Sternberg cells, commonly found in Hodgkin's lymphoma.

Large cell lymphoma is a type of lymphoma categorized under Non-Hodgkin's lymphoma. This aggressive type of lymphoma usually affects the B-lymphocytes more than T-lymphocytes. Large cell lymphoma is named as such because the malignant cells in this category are bigger compared to malignant cells of other types of lymphoma. Because of its similarity with Burkitt's lymphoma, careful morphological and clinical studies must be conducted to prevent giving the wrong type of treatment.

The cause of this disease is unknown. However, viral infections such as HIV/AIDS and Epstein-Barr virus have been known as risk factors in developing this condition. Exposure to radiation during cancer treatment can pose as a risk in developing secondary lymphoma.

Signs and symptoms of large cell lymphoma are:

- Swollen, painless lymph nodes

- Fatigue due to anemia

- Anorexia

- Night sweats

- Unexplained weight loss

- Unexplained fever

After taking through medical history and physical examination, biopsy of a lymph node is done to confirm the diagnosis of large cell lymphoma. This is done by taking a sample tissue through a minor surgery and studying it under a microscope. Once the diagnosis is confirmed, several lab tests such as imaging studies (X-Rays, PET Scan, CT-Scan, Ultrasound) and blood tests are done to stage the disease.

Treatment of large cell lymphoma is based on the staging. A combination of immunotherapy and chemotherapy is the usual management utilized for lymphoma. The drugs usually have Rituxan, cytoxan, oncovin, and prednisone, a combination of immunotherapy, chemotherapy, and steroids. This is done during the aggressive stage of large cell lymphoma. Once the disease has entered its relapse stage, ICE or DHAP are used. Stage I and Stage II is treated with local radiation therapy, although radiation therapy is also applied along with chemotherapy once large cell lymphoma is at the later stage. Bone marrow transplant is done as a form of aggressive treatment as a last attempt to combat the disease. Research is still being done to fully understand the cause of large cell lymphoma so proper treatment can be done without causing too much stress on the body brought about by the aggressive effects of the medication.

Need to learn more about Lymphoma? Be sure to check out Lymphoma Symptoms which contains in-depth information on Large Cell Lymphoma symptoms, causes, treatment and much more.

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