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Sub-Category:

Lymphoma

Number of Conditions: 1

Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma (Diffuse Large B-Cell Lymphoma, Follicular Lymphoma)

Specialty: Oncology

Category: Hematologic (Blood) Cancers

Sub-category: Lymphoma

Symptoms:
swollen lymph nodes (often painless); fever, chills, and night sweats; unexplained weight loss; fatigue; abdominal pain or swelling (if the spleen or liver is involved); chest pain or difficulty breathing (if mediastinal lymph nodes are affected)

Root Cause:
Uncontrolled growth of abnormal lymphocytes (B-cells in particular), leading to lymphoma formation.

How it's Diagnosed: videos
Diagnosed through lymph node biopsy, immunohistochemistry, and imaging (CT/PET scans).

Treatment:
Treated with chemotherapy (e.g., R-CHOP for diffuse large B-cell), immunotherapy (e.g., rituximab), and targeted therapies, with radiation or stem cell transplant for certain cases.

Medications:
Chemotherapy agents like Cyclophosphamide (alkylating agent), Doxorubicin (antitumor antibiotic), and Vincristine (plant alkaloid), which are part of the CHOP regimen. Rituximab , an anti-CD20 monoclonal antibody used to target B-cells. Prednisone , a corticosteroid, is used to help manage inflammation and enhance the effects of chemotherapy.

Prevalence: How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Affects about 19 cases per 100,000 people annually. It is the 6th most common cancer in the United States and can occur at any age, with increased incidence after age 60.

Risk Factors: Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Age (more common in people over 60). Family history of lymphoma. HIV/AIDS and other immunocompromised states. Exposure to certain chemicals (e.g., pesticides, solvents). Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) infection (especially in Diffuse Large B-Cell Lymphoma).

Prognosis: The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
Prognosis varies widely depending on lymphoma type and stage at diagnosis. Follicular lymphoma may be indolent (slow-growing), while Diffuse Large B-Cell Lymphoma can be aggressive but is treatable with chemotherapy. The 5-year survival rate ranges from 60-80%, depending on disease subtype and stage.

Complications: Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Risk of infections due to immunosuppressive treatments. Chemotherapy-related side effects like nausea, hair loss, and fatigue. Tumor lysis syndrome (when large numbers of lymphoma cells die rapidly). Second cancers due to radiation therapy. Relapse or refractory disease, especially in aggressive subtypes.