Diffuse large B cell lymphoma (DLBCL)

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What is Diffuse large B cell lymphoma?

Lymphoma is cancer of the lymphatic system, which can be further divided into Hodgkin's lymphoma and non-Hodgkin's lymphoma. Diffuse large B cell lymphoma (DLBCL) is a type of non-Hodgkin's lymphoma.

The lymphatic system is part of the body's immune system and helps us fight infection. It is made up of various lymph organs, such as thymus, spleen, bone marrow, and lymph nodes.

Lymph is a colourless fluid that circulates in the lymphatic system. It contains lymphocytes which are white blood cells that fight infection. There are two types of lymphocytes: T cells and B cells. T cells grow in the bone marrow but mature in the thymus (behind the breast bone). B cells grow and continue to develop in the bone marrow. They both play an essential role in our immune system.

When the lymphatic system fails to function in the normal manner, lymphoma may result. DLBCL is a type of lymphoma that involves B cells.

Who gets Diffuse large B cell lymphoma?

Diffuse large B cell lymphoma is relatively common, making up about 30-40% of all lymphomas. It is slightly more common in men than women.

It can affect any age group but occurs mostly in older people.
The average age is in the mid-sixties.

Predisposing Factors

The exact cause of diffuse large B cell lymphoma is not known.

Genetic changes play a role. Part of the genetic material in cells undergoes a process called translocation (transfer to a different position).

The environment (such as long-term exposure to chemicals and radiation) may also contribute to the development of the disease.

Progression

This is a lymphoma that grows very quickly, it therefore has to be treated promptly. At the start of the disease, it is often confined (restricted to an area) and at this stage it may be curable.

For some Diffuse large B cell lymphoma patients, when they first come to the doctor, the disease is restricted to either a single lymph node or a group of lymph nodes.

There is another group of patients with the disease starting from a site outside the lymph nodes, e.g. in the chest. This type tends to spread to other parts of the body such as the brain, kidneys, ovaries, and adrenal glands (glands situated above the kidneys).

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