Diffuse large B-cell lymphoma
The lymphocytes are a type of white blood cell so called because they are mostly located within the lymph glands of the body, and consist of the B-cells and T-cells. These are involved with conferring our immune system with acquired pathogen specific immunity, and work in concert with each other. The B-cells are responsible for the production of antibodies.
A lymphoma is a type of blood cancer where there is uncontrolled growth and proliferation of one of the lymphocyte types. Lymphomas can be classified into Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma (NHL) or Hodgkin Lymphoma (HL), based on a technical characteristic of the cells. NHLs are more common than HLs, and B-cell lymphomas are more common than T-cell lymphomas.
Diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) is one of the most common types of NHL. The abnormal cell is larger then a normal B-cell, and they tend to be spread out (diffuse) through the affected lymph node, rather than clustered together.
It is an aggressive fast growing lymphoma, but often responds well to treatment which involves a combination of chemotherapy and targeted antibody therapy. The most widely used treatment for DLBCL is R-CHOP (rituximab, cyclophosphamide, doxorubicin, vincristine, and prednisone).
Lymph nodes and the lymphatic circulation
References