What is Follicular Lymphoma? This is a question that many patients and their families face after diagnosis. Follicular lymphoma is a type of non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL) that arises from B-lymphocytes, a type of white blood cell crucial to the immune system. It is considered a slow-growing (indolent) cancer that typically affects the lymph nodes and can spread to the bone marrow, spleen, or other organs over time.
Although follicular lymphoma is not curable in most cases, it is treatable, with patients often living for many years after diagnosis. This blog explores the symptoms, causes, and treatment options for follicular lymphoma to provide you with a comprehensive understanding of this condition.
What Is Follicular Lymphoma?
Follicular lymphoma accounts for approximately 20% of all non-Hodgkin lymphoma cases, making it the second most common subtype of NHL. It primarily affects adults over the age of 60, although younger individuals can also develop the disease.
The term “follicular” refers to the microscopic appearance of the cancerous cells, which resemble the follicles (tiny sacs) normally found in healthy lymph nodes. Follicular lymphoma typically progresses slowly, but in some cases, it can transform into a more aggressive form of lymphoma, such as diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL).
Symptoms of Follicular Lymphoma
One of the challenges in diagnosing follicular lymphoma is that its symptoms often develop gradually and may initially be mistaken for less serious conditions. Common signs and symptoms include:
Swollen Lymph Nodes
- Painless swelling in the neck, underarms, or groin is the most common symptom.
- The lymph nodes may feel rubbery or firm to the touch.
Fatigue
- Persistent tiredness that doesn’t improve with rest is a frequent complaint among patients.
Night Sweats
- Excessive sweating, especially at night, can soak through clothing and bedding.
Unexplained Weight Loss
- Losing more than 10% of body weight within six months without dieting or increased physical activity is a warning sign.
Fever
- Recurrent fevers that cannot be explained by an infection or other causes.
Itching
- Some patients report generalized itching, although this is less common.
Abdominal Pain or Fullness
- Enlargement of the spleen or liver can cause discomfort or a feeling of fullness after eating small amounts.
If you or a loved one experiences any of these symptoms, it’s essential to seek medical advice for proper evaluation and diagnosis.
Causes and Risk Factors
The exact cause of follicular lymphoma is not well understood, but several factors may increase the risk of developing this condition:
Genetic Mutations
- Follicular lymphoma is often associated with genetic mutations, particularly a translocation involving chromosomes 14 and 18. This mutation leads to the overproduction of a protein called BCL-2, which prevents cell death and allows cancerous cells to accumulate.
Age
- The risk increases with age, with most cases occurring in individuals over 60.
Weakened Immune System
- People with compromised immune systems, such as those with HIV/AIDS or organ transplant recipients, are at a higher risk.
Exposure to Chemicals
- Long-term exposure to certain pesticides, herbicides, and industrial chemicals may contribute to an increased risk.
Family History
- Having a close relative with lymphoma or another blood cancer may raise your risk.
Gender
- Men are slightly more likely to develop follicular lymphoma than women.
Diagnosis of Follicular Lymphoma
Diagnosing follicular lymphoma involves several steps to confirm the disease and determine its stage:
Physical Examination
- A doctor will check for swollen lymph nodes and other physical signs of the disease.
Blood Tests
- Complete blood count (CBC) and other tests evaluate the overall health and detect abnormalities in white blood cells.
Imaging Tests
- CT scans, PET scans, or MRIs are used to locate and measure the extent of the lymphoma.
Biopsy
- A lymph node biopsy is the gold standard for diagnosis. The tissue sample is examined under a microscope to confirm the presence of cancerous cells.
Bone Marrow Biopsy
- This test checks whether the cancer has spread to the bone marrow.
Once diagnosed, the disease is staged based on its spread, ranging from Stage I (localized) to Stage IV (advanced).
Treatment Options for Follicular Lymphoma
The treatment plan for follicular lymphoma depends on the stage of the disease, the patient’s age, overall health, and symptoms.
Watchful Waiting
- For patients with early-stage disease and no symptoms, doctors may recommend observation instead of immediate treatment. This approach, known as watchful waiting, involves regular monitoring with blood tests and scans.
Radiation Therapy
- Localized follicular lymphoma can sometimes be treated with radiation therapy, which targets and destroys cancer cells in specific areas.
Chemotherapy
- Chemotherapy uses drugs to kill cancer cells throughout the body. It is often combined with other treatments.
Targeted Therapy
- Monoclonal antibodies like rituximab are designed to target specific proteins on cancer cells, helping the immune system recognize and destroy them.
Immunotherapy
- Immunotherapy enhances the body’s natural defenses to fight cancer. Examples include checkpoint inhibitors and CAR-T cell therapy.
Bone Marrow or Stem Cell Transplant
- In cases of recurrent or aggressive lymphoma, a stem cell transplant may be considered to replace damaged bone marrow with healthy cells.
Clinical Trials
- Participating in clinical trials offers access to cutting-edge treatments that are not yet widely available. Patients can benefit from experimental drugs, therapies, or combinations of treatments.
Living with Follicular Lymphoma
While follicular lymphoma is a chronic condition, many patients live long and fulfilling lives with proper treatment and care. Maintaining a healthy lifestyle, staying active, and managing stress can improve quality of life. Regular follow-ups with your healthcare team are crucial to monitor for any changes in the disease or treatment response.
Read Also: What Is Oncology Research? Exploring Advances in Cancer Care
Conclusion
Follicular lymphoma may be a challenging diagnosis, but ongoing advances in medical research and treatment are providing hope and improved outcomes for patients. By understanding the symptoms, causes, and treatment options, patients and their families can make informed decisions and take an active role in their care journey.
If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with follicular lymphoma, consider exploring Follicular Lymphoma Clinical Trials to access the latest therapies and contribute to the development of future treatments. At NHO-Revive, we are dedicated to advancing lymphoma research and supporting patients every step of the way.
