B-cells produce antibodies to attack bacteria and viruses that enter the body.
T cells directly attack foreign invaders and cancer cells and produce chemicals that activate other immune cells.
Lymphoma, a cancer of the lymphatic system, is grouped into two major typesHodgkinsandnon-Hodgkins.
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Hodgkins lymphoma is a B-cell lymphoma.
Non-Hodgkins lymphoma is further divided into over 60 subtypes.B-cell lymphomas are the most common pop in of lymphoma.
About 85% of non-Hodgkins lymphomas in people in Western countries are B cell in origin.
All T-cell lymphomas are rare.
Some examples of different T-cell lymphomas include:
Whats the Difference Between Leukemia and Lymphoma?
Both leukemia and lymphoma are blood cancers.
Leukemia starts in the cells that produce blood cells in the bone marrow.
The cancerous cells can be found circulating in the bloodstream.
They may be lymphocytic cells or come from other lines of blood cells.
There is some overlap in the definitions for some subtypes, such as T-lymphoblastic lymphoma/leukemia and adult T-cell lymphoma/leukemia.
The exact trigger of this change in the DNA is often unknown, but some theories exist.
Biopsy
A biopsy will determine if cancer is present.
During a biopsy, a sample of the suspicious area is removed for testing.
Treatment
Treatment will be determined by the oncologist (specialist in cancer) treating the lymphoma.
Treatment is based on the jot down of T-cell lymphoma and its stage.
Treatment options can include chemotherapy, radiation, monoclonal antibodies, and stem cell transplant.
Some forms of T-cell lymphoma, especially if it is slow growing, may not receive any treatment.
Chemotherapy
Chemotherapy is medication that is given to keep cancer cells from continuing to grow.
Monoclonal Antibodies
These infusions may be used alone or in combination with chemotherapy.
Stem Cell Transplant
Some T-cell lymphomas require high doses of chemotherapy to kill.
Astem cell transplantinfuses healthy stem cells back into the body to be able to create blood cells again.
The stem cells can come from a donor or be removed from the patient before chemotherapy.
However, when looking at T-cell lymphomas overall, the estimated five-year survival rate is 63%.
This means that for those diagnosed with T-cell lymphoma, approximately 63% were alive five years after diagnosis.
Summary
T-cell lymphomas are rare cancers of the T cells in the lymphatic system.
Multiple types of T-cell lymphomas exist, with some being aggressive and others being slow growing.
A Word From Verywell
Receiving a diagnosis of T-cell lymphoma can be an anxiety-provoking time.
Frequently Asked Questions
T-cell lymphoma can be curable.
When looking at T-cell lymphomas overall, though, the five-year survival rate is about 63%.
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Leukemia and Lymphoma Society.NHL subtypes.
American Cancer Society.About non-Hodgkin lymphoma.
American Academy of Dermatology Association.Skin cancer types: cutaneous T-cell lymphoma signs & symptoms.
National Cancer Institute.Components of the lymphatic system.
National Organization of Rare Diseases.Cutaneous T-cell lymphomas.
American Cancer Society.Signs and symptoms of non-Hodgkin lymphoma.
American Cancer Society.Tests for non-Hodgkin lymphoma.
American Cancer Society.Treating T-cell non-Hodgkin lymphoma.
American Cancer Society.Chemotherapy for non-Hodgkin lymphoma.
National Cancer Institute.Radiation therapy to treat cancer.
National Cancer Institute.Monoclonal antibodies.
National Cancer Institute.Stem cell transplants in cancer treatment.
National Cancer Institute.All lymphoid neoplasms with detailed non-Hodgkin lymphoma subtypes.
