About Follicular Lymphoma
The exact causes of follicular lymphoma are not fully understood, but researchers believe that a combination of genetic, environmental, and immunologic factors contribute to its development. Here are some key points regarding factors related to development of follicular lymphoma:
Non-modifiable risk factors are risk factors that cannot be changed. Non-modifiable risk factors include:
- Age: Follicular lymphoma most commonly occurs in people over age 65 years.
- Sex: People assigned male at birth are more likely to develop follicular lymphoma than people assigned female at birth
- Family history: Having a close relative with follicular lymphoma slightly increases the risk.
- Genetic abnormalities: About 85% of people with follicular lymphoma have a non-inherited genetic abnormality called a translocation or certain gene mutations.
Modifiable risk factors are risk factors that can be changed or influenced. Modifiable risk factors include:
- Exposure to certain chemicals and radiation: High levels of ionizing radiation, exposure to certain ingredients in herbicides and pesticides, and exposure to cancer-causing chemicals are potential risk factors.
It's important to note that these risk factors may increase the likelihood of developing follicular lymphoma but do not guarantee its development. Regular check-ups and discussions with your healthcare professional can help assess your individual risk profile.
The most common symptom of follicular lymphoma is painless swollen lymph nodes, typically in the neck, armpit, and groin areas.
Other symptoms include:
- Drenching night sweats
- Fever
- Severe tiredness
- Unexplained weight loss
- Skin rash or itching
- Pain in the chest, abdomen, or bones
Depending on the location and size of the cancer and how fast it is spreading, additional symptoms may include:
- Anemia due to a low number of red blood cells
- Easily bruising or bleeding due to a low number of blood-clotting cells
- Frequent or severe infections due to a weakened immune system
- Being full after eating a small amount
- Loss of appetite
- Vomiting or nausea
- Abdominal pain and swelling
- Cough
- Shortness of breath
- Trouble breathing
- Chest pressure or pain
- Headache
- Trouble thinking
- Facial numbness
- Weakness
- Seizures
- Personality changes
- Double vision
- Trouble speaking
- Purple or red bumps and lumps under the skin
- Itchy skin rashes
Remember that these symptoms can vary among individuals and are not exclusive to follicular lymphoma. It's important to consult with a healthcare professional for an accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment plan.
To diagnose follicular lymphoma, doctors commonly perform the following examinations, tests, and procedures:
- Medical history: Gathering information about a person's past medical conditions and symptoms.
- Physical exam: A thorough examination of the body to check for signs of disease and evaluate general health.
- Complete blood count: A blood test that provides information about the number and types of blood cells present.
- Blood chemistry studies: A blood test that checks the levels of certain substances in the blood.
- Computed tomography (CT) scan: A series of images that provide detailed views of areas inside the body.
- Positron emission tomography (PET) scan: A scan that uses a small amount of radioactive glucose to detect areas of increased glucose uptake, which may indicate cancerous cells.
- Lymph node biopsy: Removal of a small tissue sample from a lymph node for examination under a microscope to determine if it is cancerous.
- Bone marrow aspiration and biopsy: A procedure to collect samples of bone marrow and bone for microscopic examination.
- Follicular Lymphoma International Prognostic Index (FLIPI): A system that categorizes Follicular Lymphoma into low risk, intermediate risk, or high risk based on prognostic factors like age, lactate dehydrogenase levels, hemoglobin levels, and cancer stage.
Remember, specific diagnostic and staging approaches may vary depending on individual circumstances. It's important to consult with your healthcare professional for personalized guidance.
The goals of treatment for follicular lymphoma (FL) are to establish a lasting remission without too many harmful side effects, manage and reduce symptoms, improve mobility and function, prevent complications, and enhance the overall quality of life.
The main treatment options for FL include:
- Watchful waiting: This involves monitoring the progression of the cancer through periodic examinations and imaging tests. It may be recommended for individuals with stage I or II FL who do not have symptoms.
- Radiation therapy: This treatment uses high-energy beams to destroy cancer cells. It may be used to target specific areas affected by FL.
- Chemotherapy: This involves the use of drugs to kill cancer cells throughout the body. Different chemotherapy drugs or combinations may be used based on the individual's specific situation.
- Targeted therapy: These medications target specific molecules or pathways involved in the growth of cancer cells. They can help disrupt the growth and spread of FL.
- Immunotherapy: This treatment boosts the body's immune system to fight cancer cells. CAR T-cell therapy is an example of immunotherapy that may be used for FL.
- Stem cell transplant: This procedure replaces damaged or destroyed stem cells with healthy ones. It may be considered for individuals with transformed or later stage FL.
It's important to note that treatment selection for FL depends on various factors, and individualized decisions are made by clinicians and patients based on specific criteria. It is always recommended to consult with a healthcare professional for personalized advice.
Medication dosing may be affected by many factors. Check with your health care professional about dosing for your individual situation. Side effects can occur. Check with your health care professional or read the information provided with your medication for additional side effect information.