Indolent lymphoma

Cutaneous T-cell lymphoma - very high mag

Indolent lymphoma refers to a group of lymphomas, which are types of cancer that originate from the lymphocytes (a type of white blood cell) in the immune system. These lymphomas are characterized by their slow-growing nature, often presenting with few symptoms in the early stages. Indolent lymphomas are a subset of non-Hodgkin lymphomas (NHL) and contrast with the more aggressive forms of lymphoma, which require immediate treatment.

Types of Indolent Lymphoma

Several types of lymphoma fall under the category of indolent lymphoma, including but not limited to:

• Follicular lymphoma: The most common type of indolent lymphoma, originating from B lymphocytes.
• Marginal zone lymphoma: Includes extranodal marginal zone B-cell lymphoma (also known as MALT lymphoma), nodal marginal zone lymphoma, and splenic marginal zone lymphoma.
• Small lymphocytic lymphoma (SLL): Closely related to chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL), SLL affects the B lymphocytes but is primarily found in the lymph nodes.
• Lymphoplasmacytic lymphoma: A rare type of lymphoma that produces an excessive amount of a protein called monoclonal immunoglobulin M (IgM), leading to the condition known as Waldenström's macroglobulinemia.

Symptoms

The symptoms of indolent lymphoma are often subtle and can include:

• Swollen, painless lymph nodes in the neck, armpits, or groin
• Fatigue
• Fever
• Night sweats
• Unexplained weight loss

Diagnosis

Diagnosis of indolent lymphoma typically involves a combination of:

• Physical examination
• Blood tests
• Imaging tests, such as Computed tomography (CT) scan or Positron emission tomography (PET) scan
• Biopsy of the affected lymph node

Treatment

Treatment for indolent lymphoma varies depending on the stage and symptoms of the disease. In some cases, immediate treatment may not be necessary, and a watchful waiting approach is adopted. When treatment is required, options may include:

• Chemotherapy
• Radiation therapy
• Immunotherapy
• Targeted therapy drugs

Prognosis

The prognosis for indolent lymphoma patients can vary widely. Many individuals live with the disease for many years due to its slow-growing nature. Treatment advancements have significantly improved the outlook for many patients, although the disease is generally considered incurable with current therapies.

See Also

• Lymphoma
• Non-Hodgkin lymphoma
• Hodgkin lymphoma
• Cancer