Immunoblot assay

Immunoblastic Lymphoma is a subtype of Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma (NHL), a group of blood cancers that includes all types of lymphoma except Hodgkin's Lymphoma. Immunoblastic Lymphoma is characterized by the presence of immunoblasts, a type of white blood cell, in the lymph nodes or other tissues.

Etiology

The exact cause of Immunoblastic Lymphoma is unknown. However, it is believed to be associated with immune system disorders and viral infections, such as Epstein-Barr Virus (EBV) and Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV).

Clinical Presentation

Patients with Immunoblastic Lymphoma typically present with lymphadenopathy, or swollen lymph nodes, and may also have B symptoms, which include fever, night sweats, and weight loss. Other symptoms may include fatigue, loss of appetite, and shortness of breath.

Diagnosis

Diagnosis of Immunoblastic Lymphoma is typically made through a biopsy of an affected lymph node or other tissue. The biopsy sample is examined under a microscope to identify the presence of immunoblasts. Additional tests, such as immunohistochemistry, may be used to confirm the diagnosis and determine the subtype of lymphoma.

Treatment

Treatment for Immunoblastic Lymphoma typically involves chemotherapy, with or without radiation therapy. The specific treatment plan will depend on the patient's overall health, the stage of the disease, and the patient's personal preferences. In some cases, a stem cell transplant may be considered.

Prognosis

The prognosis for patients with Immunoblastic Lymphoma varies widely, depending on the stage of the disease at diagnosis, the patient's overall health, and the response to treatment. In general, however, this type of lymphoma is considered to be aggressive and has a poorer prognosis than some other types of NHL.

See Also

• Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma
• Hodgkin's Lymphoma
• Epstein-Barr Virus
• Human Immunodeficiency Virus