B-Cell Lymphoma
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In a normal immune system, the job of B-Cells is to fight bacteria. B-Cell lymphoma occurs when a B-Cell mutates and becomes cancerous. After this occurs, every time this cancerous B-Cell clones itself, the new cell maintains the structure of the mutated cell. Because of this, every person's B-Cell lymphoma cells are unique.
If you have been diagnosed with B-Cell lymphoma and are exploring your treatment options, Cancer Treatment Centers of America (CTCA) can help. At CTCA we provide patients with an integrated approach to treating cancer that combines both the most up-to-date conventional treatment options with innovative complementary therapies to create a comprehensive treatment plan designed to treat all of you, not just your cancer.
If you would like to learn more about our approach to cancer treatment, call 800-615-3055 and speak to one of our Oncology Information Specialists. They can help you determine if based on your needs if CTCA is the right treatment facility for you.
Diagnosis of Diffuse Large B-Cell Lymphoma
Diffuse large B-Cell lymphoma is a common type of lymphoma, making up approximately 40% of all cases. Diffuse B-Cell lymphoma can occur at any age and it is slightly more common in men than women. Diffuse large B-Cell lymphoma is considered a high-grade lymphoma and therefore requires prompt treatment.
A biopsy must be performed so the cells can be examined. A biopsy is an operation that involves the removal of part of the enlarged lymph node. After the biopsy is performed, blood tests and x-rays may be necessary to determine how far the diffuse large B-Cell lymphoma has spread.
Sign and Symptoms of Diffuse Large B-Cell Lymphoma
A painless swelling in the neck, armpit, or groin is sometimes one of the first signs of diffuse large B-Cell lymphoma. This swelling is caused by enlarged lymph nodes. Other symptoms may include night sweats, high temperatures, weight loss, or feeling extremely lethargic.
Diffuse Large B-Cell Lymphoma Treatment Options
- Chemotherapy - used to destroy cancer cells and one of the primary treatments for diffuse large B-Cell lymphoma
- Radiation - involves the use of high-energy rays to destroy cancerous cells
- Monoclonal antibody therapy - uses drugs to recognize, target, and bind with proteins on the surface of the cancerous cells, thus stimulating the body's immune system to destroy the cell
Mediastinal Large B-Cell Lymphoma
Mediastinal refers to the mediastinum, which is the part of the body located deep inside the chest cavity between the lungs and behind the breast bone. Mediastinal large B-Cell lymphoma is a rare form of diffuse B-Cell lymphoma that develops in the thymus gland. Although mediastinal large B-Cell lymphoma may appear at any age, or in either gender, is most likely to affect people around the ages of 20 to 50 and is more common in women.
To diagnose mediastinal large B-Cell lymphoma, a biopsy must be performed so the cells can be examined microscopically. It involves the removal of part of the enlarged lymph node and can generally be done under a general or local anesthetic. Blood tests and x-rays are sometimes used to get more information about the lymphoma and how far it has spread.
Signs and Symptoms of Mediastinal Large B-Cell Lymphoma
Neck, arm, and face tissue can sometimes swell due to the lymph nodes pressing on the veins in the chest. This swelling that occurs is also known as SVCO (superior vena cava obstruction). Sometimes those diagnosed with mediastinal large B-Cell lymphoma experience night sweats and also a loss of appetite.
Mediastinal Large B-Cell Lymphoma Stages
- Stage 1 - Lymphoma is only present in one group of lymph nodes and in just one particular area of the body
- Stage 2 - More than one group of lymph nodes is affected, but they are all contained within either the upper half or the lower half of the body
- Stage 3 - Lymphoma is present in lymph nodes in both the upper and the lower parts of the body
- Stage 4 - Lymphoma has spread beyond the affected lymph nodes to other lymphatic organs
Treating Mediastinal Large B-Cell Lymphoma
There are a number of different treatments that may be used to treat this form of cancer. The most commonly used treatments include:
- Chemotherapy
- Radiation
- Monoclonal antibody therapy
B-Cell Lymphoma Treatment at CTCA
The doctors and caregivers at Cancer Treatment Centers of America know how emotionally devastating a diagnosis of B-Cell lymphoma can be, and will work with you to help create a treatment plan that fits your unique needs. At CTCA we not only provide conventional treatment options, we also enrich your treatment by offering complementary and alternative therapies such as naturopathic medicine, nutritional therapy, mind-body medicine and spiritual counseling to provide a whole-body treatment experience.
At Cancer Treatment Centers of America we are committed to helping people overcome B-Cell lymphoma. If you are exploring treatment options and would like to learn more about our whole-body approach to cancer treatment, contact us today at 800-615-3055 or chat online about B-Cell lymphoma.
