ANAPLASTIC LARGE-CELL LYMPHOMA

Anaplastic large-cell lymphoma is an uncommon kind of blood cancer. It is more prevalent in young individuals, particularly males. Furthermore, it is not a hereditary disease. However, this disease can be severe as it may develop quickly and may even relapse. The lymphocytes grow uncontrollably, which later on result in cancer.

TYPES

Anaplastic large cell lymphoma has two major groups, including the following: 

  • Cutaneous ALCL- This type occurs in the skin, where the lymphoma grows slowly.
  • Systemic ALCL- In contrast with the cutaneous ALCL, this kind of disease is contagious spreads. Moreover, this condition occurs in other organs and lymph nodes.

SYMPTOMS

Inflammation in the armpit, neck, or groin, where your legs meet the stem of your body, is often the initial symptom of systemic anaplastic large cell lymphoma.

Aside from those, you may also experience the following symptoms:

DIAGNOSIS

When you ask for a diagnosis, the doctor will first ask about your symptoms to determine whether you have anaplastic large-cell lymphoma or not. Also, the specialist will want to know the following:

  • When was the first time that you noticed the symptoms or any differences?
  • Do you have any swollen glands?
  • Is there any discomfort? Where?
  • How about hunger? Do you think you’ve lost weight?
  • Have you noticed that you’re more fatigued than usual?
  • Any bumps on your skin that you’d want to point out? Is there a tingling or itchy feeling?

It is also possible to be diagnosed with ALCL by taking a biopsy of a swollen lymph node in the neck or armpit. It is a quick procedure that doesn’t need hospitalization. Doctors will make a tiny incision in the skin and excise all or portion of the lymph node, or they may extract a specimen with a needle. Afterward, they will use a microscope to examine the cells.

TREATMENT

There are therapies available to assist you, regardless of what kind of ALCL you have. Experts are also hopeful that new and improved options may arise in the future.

Chemotherapy. It is the primary treatment for systemic ALCL, which occurs when the disease spreads to your lymph nodes and other areas of your body.

Stem cell transplant. New stem cells will be injected into your body so that you will produce new cells that are cancer-free.

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