/ / Follicular lymphoma: symptoms, causes, treatment. Period of remission and recurrence of follicular lymphoma

Follicular lymphoma: symptoms, causes, treatment. Period of remission and recurrence of follicular lymphoma

Lymphoma is a disease that affectslymphatic tissue. At the same time, the affected lymphocytes begin to intensively divide and provoke disruptions in the normal functioning of the internal organs of the human body. Such groups of the disease are distinguished: lymphogranulomatosis (or the so-called Hodgkin's disease) and non-Hodgkin lymphomas (including non-Hodgkin's follicular lymphoma).

Lymphatic system. What it is

Part of the body’s immune system islymphatic, the main function of which is to protect against all kinds of infections and other diseases. It is a network of channels through which a special fluid - lymph. In the course of the capillaries are observed lymph nodes, in which the lymph is enriched with special cells - lymphocytes. There are several of their subspecies. B-lymphocytes are responsible for acquired immunity to infectious diseases. By contacting a pathogen, they eliminate its effect and keep it in their memory. B-lymphocytes are very important agents in the formation of a positive effect from vaccination. Most of the lymph cells (80%) are T-lymphocytes. They are responsible for the destruction of all kinds of viruses, bacteria. NK lymphocytes are found in the lymph in a small amount (up to 10%). Their main function is to destroy their own diseased cells (including in diseases such as follicular lymphoma).

Follicular lymphoma

How does the malignant process in the lymphatic system

The tumor process begins to develop from the cellslymphatic system (B lymphocytes). The disease is diagnosed mainly in the elderly, in children it occurs in isolated cases. Follicular lymphoma got its name due to the fact that the follicle of the hair is primarily affected. Very often, tumors are observed in the neck, armpits, groin. A feature of such lymphoma is that patients seek help very late. Affected lymphocytes penetrate into all internal organs, disrupting their work. Although follicular lymphoma iiia responds well enough to therapy, late diagnosis does not make it possible to completely get rid of the disease.

Follicular lymphoma iiia

Possible causes of the disease

The exact reasons that contribute to the developmentcancer, experts can not name. However, there are a number of factors that increase the possibility of malignant tumors. One of them - mutations of genes, chromosomes. Working in adverse conditions, constant contact with harmful chemicals can also be a catalyst for the development of a condition such as follicular lymphoma. The causes of the disease can be the following: radiation exposure, immunodeficiency weakening of the body, autoimmune diseases. Some experts identify factors such as smoking, taking certain medications, and even obesity.

Symptomatology of lymphoma

Follicular lymphoma has symptoms quiteweak, especially the initial stages. First of all, we can note a slight increase in lymph nodes. However, they remain painless. It is characteristic that a slight swelling periodically disappears, then reappears. This fact should especially alert. The nodes inside the sternum are enlarged. Outwardly, it may manifest cough, shortness of breath. Possible slight swelling of the face. In some cases, the spleen suffers. Follicular lymphoma symptoms can be quite common: weight loss, general fatigue, weakness of the body. However, these signs are the exception rather than the rule; they are observed only in one patient out of ten. More severe stages of the disease are characterized by damage to the nervous system, in particular the bone marrow. At the same time note dizziness, nausea, and loss of consciousness.

Follicular lymphoma. Signs of

Classification and stages of cancer

There are several types of lymphomas.The first is follicular. The content of follicles is 75%. If from there are between 25-75%, then this follicular-diffuse subtype. In the diffuse type, less than 25% of the follicles are noted. Follicular lymphoma (iiia) proceeds in several stages. At the initial stage, only one area of ​​the lymph nodes is affected. The second stage is characterized by the involvement in the pathological process of two or more areas (but on one side of the diaphragm). In the third degree, areas on both sides of the diaphragm are affected. The hardest fourth stage. Changes occur in the internal organs and systems (bone marrow, liver, etc.). Sometimes letters are added to the numerical designation of the lymphoma stage: A or B. This indicates whether the follicular lymphoma has symptoms of the following kind: “B” - there is a change in body temperature (occasional increase), weight loss, sweating at night. Lymphoma with the prefix "A" - these symptoms are absent.

Follicular lymphoma 3a cytological type

Method for diagnosis of lymphoma

First of all, a specialist (onco-hematologist)conducts a visual inspection of the patient. Histological examination of the sample is required. For this biopsy is performed. A part of the affected lymph node is removed and examined under a microscope. It is worth noting the three types of cytological diseases that require different treatment. The first type is characterized by the presence of up to five centroblasts in the field of view of the microscope, the second - up to 15 units. The second type of cytology requires shock chemotherapy, as it is quite aggressive. Follicular lymphoma 3a cytological type has the most unfavorable projections. In the field of view of the microscope, you can see extensive neoplasms. Additionally, the patient must donate blood (tumor markers, general analysis), undergo an ultrasound examination of internal organs, CT or MRI. In order to determine whether the central nervous system is affected, the spinal cord is collected for further investigation for the presence of cancer cells.

Follicular non-Hodgkin lymphoma

Follicular lymphoma. Treatment

Recently, a number of patients with similarThe diagnosis has increased significantly. As a rule, the sooner a neoplasm was noticed, the greater the patient’s chances of preserving their health and life. Lymphoma is characterized by a rather sluggish course, so in certain cases doctors choose a waiting position, observing all changes in the human body. This is due to the fact that both chemotherapy and surgery do not pass without leaving a trace and have their negative sides. Remission of follicular lymphoma can last several years. If the oncological disease begins to progress, the therapy should be carried out immediately. Among the main methods of treatment should be allocated to radiation, chemotherapy, drugs. Depending on the type of lymphoma, regional exposure can prevent possible relapses. In the first stage of the disease, prolonged remissions were recorded in the majority of patients.

Prognosis of follicular lymphoma

Chemotherapy

Агрессивная химиотерапия (преимущественно и using several drugs) in the early stages of lymphoma can significantly reduce the likelihood of recurrence. For a long time, this method was considered the main one in the treatment of cancer. Chemotherapy is aimed at destroying tumor cells during their reproduction. Combination drugs can affect the division process at different stages, so their use is more effective. However, chemotherapy has a damaging effect on other organs (skin, hair, etc.). Suffer from these drugs and bone marrow. During the period of therapy, the person becomes more susceptible to infectious diseases, the appearance of multiple bruises, as well as bleeding, is possible. Often, treatment with drugs causes an increased production of uric acid, which leads to the formation of kidney stones. However, all adverse events disappear several weeks after the end of the course. It is worth noting that some chemotherapy drugs can lead to a decrease in the number of spermatozoa in men, provoke infertility in women.

Follicular lymphoma. Treatment

Treatment with monoclonal antibodies

Follicular lymphoma is being treated with such new ones.drugs like monoclonal antibodies. They purposefully destroy only lymphoma cells. This technique is especially effective in combination with chemotherapy. Monoclonal antibodies somewhat reduce the toxicity of chemicals. Patients experience prolonged remission of follicular lymphoma. In some cases, an allergic reaction is possible, so the first injection of antibodies takes quite a long time. Before starting treatment, the patient needs a course of antiallergic drugs.

Disease recurrence

This disease is characterized by slowprogression in the early stages, the period of remission can last up to 20 years. Most often, the recurrence of follicular lymphoma is observed at 3a cytological type. In this case, stem cell transplantation may be necessary. Donor can be a brother (sister), and a non-blood relative. The procedure is performed for patients no older than 70 years who respond to chemotherapy quite well and have a satisfactory state of health. After transplantation, improvements are observed in about half of the patients. Patient survival depends on many factors. First of all, the stage of the disease is of importance, the morphology of changes (the prognosis of follicular lymphoma in the fourth stage is rather unfavorable). It should be noted that young people cope better with the disease. It is very important to recognize lymphoma on time, so you should not abandon routine examinations by specialists.

Liked:
0
Popular Posts
Spiritual development
Food
yup