Follicular lymphoma is the type of cancer in the lymph nodes that can extend to the entire body. It is particularly known as the lymphoma of the white blood cells that are found in the center of the lymph nodes or follicles. This is the idle type of lymphoma, slow growing yet almost impossible to cure and treat. In about 33 percent of the cases, this cancer will transform into an aggressive form of cancer called B-cell lymphoma.
Follicular lymphoma has a tough genetic trait to the point of occurrence and the genetic imperfection as a consequence the white blood cells divide sooner. The tumors are transformation of the excess white blood cells. There are many symptoms of follicular lymphoma to watch out for.
The initial symptoms of follicular lymphoma include swelling of one or more lymph nodes. They turn out to be tender to touch. When the tumors spread to other body parts, it becomes firmer for healthy cells to look for their nourishment while the body organs waste away. If you notice drastic weight loss without any changes in your diet, it is also a sign of follicular lymphoma. Another indication is the feeling of internal discomfort, a person’s body mass decreases as the organs swell, pressure will build up and become really painful. It is important to note that follicular lymphoma is indolent, patients may not experience the symptoms as it manifests in the late stages of the disease.
Follicular lymphoma may be diagnosed by different tests. Physicians may necessitate patients to take different tests like CT scan, urine test, or biopsies of the lymph node to diagnose lymphoma. After the verdict, the stages of the follicular lymphoma will be identified depending on the gravity of the case. There are 4 stages, the early stages has a higher survival rate, and the grade levels are based on the affected cell size. Grade 1 affects the smallest cells while the last grade is the more aggressive; it goes after the large cells
Follicular lymphoma responds well to treatments. Although there are no permanent cures for follicular lymphoma but since there are several radical treatments, the survival rates increased. The disease can be treated with chemotherapy, radiotherapy and stem cell transplants.