Lymphoma, small cleaved-cell, diffuse

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Lymphoma, Small Cleaved-Cell, Diffuse

Lymphoma, small cleaved-cell, diffuse is a subtype of non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL), which is a group of blood cancers that originate in the lymphatic system. This particular subtype is characterized by the presence of small, cleaved lymphocytes that are distributed diffusely throughout the lymph node or other lymphatic tissue.

Pathophysiology[edit | edit source]

Lymphomas are cancers of the lymphatic system, which is part of the immune system. The lymphatic system includes lymph nodes, the spleen, thymus gland, and bone marrow. In small cleaved-cell diffuse lymphoma, the malignant cells are small lymphocytes with irregular, cleaved nuclei. These cells proliferate in a diffuse pattern, meaning they spread throughout the lymphatic tissue rather than forming distinct nodules.

The exact cause of small cleaved-cell diffuse lymphoma is not well understood, but it is believed to involve genetic mutations that lead to uncontrolled cell growth. These mutations can affect oncogenes and tumor suppressor genes, leading to the transformation of normal lymphocytes into cancerous cells.

Clinical Presentation[edit | edit source]

Patients with small cleaved-cell diffuse lymphoma may present with:

-Lymphadenopathy: Swollen lymph nodes, often painless, in areas such as the neck, armpits, or groin. -B symptoms: Fever, night sweats, and unexplained weight loss. -Fatigue: Due to anemia or other systemic effects of the lymphoma. -Hepatosplenomegaly: Enlargement of the liver and spleen in some cases.

Diagnosis[edit | edit source]

The diagnosis of small cleaved-cell diffuse lymphoma typically involves:

-Biopsy: A lymph node biopsy is performed to obtain tissue for histological examination. The presence of small cleaved lymphocytes in a diffuse pattern is characteristic. -Immunophenotyping: Flow cytometry or immunohistochemistry can be used to determine the specific markers on the surface of the lymphoma cells, which helps in classification. -Imaging: CT scans, PET scans, or MRI may be used to assess the extent of the disease.

Treatment[edit | edit source]

Treatment options for small cleaved-cell diffuse lymphoma may include:

-Chemotherapy: Regimens such as CHOP (cyclophosphamide, doxorubicin, vincristine, and prednisone) are commonly used. -Radiation therapy: May be used in localized cases or as an adjunct to chemotherapy. -Targeted therapy: Monoclonal antibodies like rituximab may be used to target specific antigens on the lymphoma cells. -Stem cell transplant: In certain cases, autologous or allogeneic stem cell transplantation may be considered.

Prognosis[edit | edit source]

The prognosis for small cleaved-cell diffuse lymphoma varies depending on factors such as the stage of the disease, the patient's age, and overall health. Generally, this subtype of lymphoma is considered to have an intermediate prognosis compared to other forms of non-Hodgkin lymphoma.

Also see[edit | edit source]

- Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma - Lymphatic System - Chemotherapy - Immunotherapy





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Contributors: Prab R. Tumpati, MD