What is B Cell Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma?

B cell non-Hodgkin's lymphoma is cancer that occurs in the lymphatic system, specifically in the B cells which fight disease by creating antibodies. The cause of this type of cancer is unknown, but identified risk factors include immune deficiencies, chronic infection, and autoimmune diseases. Symptoms of B cell non-Hodgkin's lymphoma include unexplained weight loss, fatigue, high fever, and swollen lymph nodes. Treatment includes chemotherapy, radiation, and stem cell transplants. If caught at the early stages, this form of cancer has a relatively high survival rate.

Lymphomas are cancers of the lymphatic system, and there are many different types. Non-Hodgkin's lymphoma occurs when the cancer originates in the lymphocytes which are a type of white blood cell that works in the body's immune system to fight infection from a variety of pathogens. In B cell non-Hodgkin's lymphoma, the cancer occurs in the B cells responsible for creating antibodies to viruses, bacteria, and fungi as well as memory cells which contain the instructions for future antibody creation.

The exact cause of B cell non-Hodgkin's lymphoma is unknown, although research is ongoing. Scientists have identified several risk factors that increase the probability that an individual might develop this disease. One risk factor is the presence of immune deficiencies resulting from varied conditions such as organ transplants, medication, diseases such as AIDS, and genetics. Other risk factors include autoimmune diseases such as lupus, and chronic infections which cause the body to overproduce B cells, thereby increasing the chances of a cancerous mutation occurring.

The symptoms of B cell non-Hodgkin's lymphoma tend to be nondescript issues that are easily confused with the symptoms of many other illnesses. They include unexplained weight loss, night sweats, fatigue, high fever, chest pain, cough, difficulty breathing, and abdominal pain or bloating. Swollen lymph nodes are usually present, typically occurring in the armpits, neck, or groin. Since these symptoms are associated with numerous ailments, diagnosis of B cell non-Hodgkin's lymphoma requires specialized testing.

After diagnosis, there are several treatment options for B cell non-Hodgkin's lymphoma which may be recommended by a doctor after careful analysis of the individual case. The aggressiveness of treatment usually depends on how widespread and severe the cancer is. Treatments include chemotherapy, i.e, drugs designed to eliminate the cancerous cells and stop new ones from forming, and high dose radiation to kill cancerous growth and shrink tumors. Another treatment is a stem cell therapy, i.e., an infusion of healthy stem cells after the existing ones have been destroyed by chemotherapy and radiation so that the body can rebuild a functioning immune system. When B cell non-Hodgkin's lymphoma is diagnosed and treated in the early stages, it has a relatively high survival rate, although the patient must monitor his or her health carefully and be alert for signs of recurrence.