Large Cell Lymphoma - Anaplastic, Primary Cutaneous Anaplastic, Hepato-splenic And Enteropathic T-cell Lymphoma

Large cell lymphoma

Definition of large cell lymphoma

Large cell lymphoma is a cancer of the cells of the lymphatic system. With lymphoma, cells divide and grow uncontrollably, old cells do not die off, as they should in a healthy body. This pathology can occur in any part of the body, it can develop in one lymph node, in a group of lymph nodes or in internal organs.

By gradually displacing normal, healthy cells in the bone marrow, lymphoma cells interfere with the production of red blood cells, the main oxygen suppliers that protect the body from infections and platelets, a decrease in the number of which in the blood can lead to bleeding.

There are diffuse large B-cell lymphomas, with characteristic expression of common B-lymphocyte antigens and activated B-lymphocyte antigens. From this group of tumors, primary large B-cell lymphoma of the mediastinum and lymphoma from the cells of the center of the follicle with a high level of severity can be distinguished.

The disease affects middle-aged and older people, tumors affect the lymph nodes in the neck and in the peritoneum, in the gastrointestinal tract, testes, bones, thyroid and salivary glands, and the brain.

As the disease progresses, it involves the liver, kidneys and lungs in the tumor process. There are also diffuse large B-cell lymphosarcomas that invade blood vessels, respiratory organs and nerves, and destroy bones. Thymic - primary large B-cell lymphoma of the mediastinum is found in young women, it invades tissues and organs, metastases are a rare occurrence.

Anaplastic large cell lymphoma

Anaplastic large cell lymphoma is an aggressive form of T-cell lymphomas. Normally, T cells protect the body by destroying harmful bacteria and their diseased cells. When a young cell at the developmental stage passes into a mature T-lymphocyte, the formation of a diseased group of cells can occur, affecting the enlargement of the lymph nodes.

The change in tumor cells in anaplastic lymphoma is such that all signs of maturation are completely lost, and they become similar to young cells. This is the phenomenon of anaplasia. In such a situation, on the neck, in the axillary and inguinal zones, the lymph nodes increase in groups. The disease is accompanied by fever, loss of appetite and, accordingly, weight loss.

The immune system malfunctions, which can no longer protect healthy cells. In the treatment of anaplastic large cell lymphoma, the presence of the ALK enzyme is detected, if it is present, then treatment with small doses of drugs is always successful. Chemotherapy is often needed. In the absence of the ALK enzyme, treatment is more difficult, but due to the constant emergence of new drugs, the disease can be overcome.

Enteropathic T-cell lymphoma

Enteropathic T-cell lymphoma is rare in people. Enteropathic lymphoma forms in the small intestine, then spreads to other organs of the gastrointestinal tract. This type of lymphoma is almost always caused by celiac disease, a genetic intolerance to the protein gluten found in grains.

Her symptoms are diarrhea, abdominal pain, fever, weight loss, excessive sweating. The disease is detected using fibrocolonoscopy or enteroscopy. Computed tomography of the chest and abdomen and pelvis is also used to find out if the lymph nodes are enlarged or not. This disease is being treated with various treatment regimens for other lymphomas using new drugs.

Primary cutaneous anaplastic large cell lymphoma

Primary cutaneous anaplastic large cell lymphoma belongs to the class of indolent cellular lymphomas, with a sluggish developmental process. It was only a few years ago that it was considered a distinct disease rather than anaplastic large cell lymphoma. In this case, the tumor does not spread deeper than the skin. There is the appearance of one or multiple painful seals of a red-purple color, appearing anywhere or in several places on the body.

They rise above the skin, ulcers form over time. The disease is accompanied by fever, weight loss, and heavy sweating. There is as yet no generally accepted treatment for this rare disease. A small tumor is removed or irradiated. When a tumor of a large size spreads, treatment with drugs of a new generation is used.

Hepato-splenic T-cell lymphoma

Hepato-splenic T-cell lymphoma belongs to a class of aggressive cell lymphomas. It affects the hepato-splenic lymph, leads to an increase in the liver and spleen, the lymph nodes do not change. The disease lowers hemoglobin, the number of leukocytes and platelets decreases.

Symptoms are the same as for other large cell lymphomas. Diagnosis is by bone marrow or liver examination, but blood flow cytometry is usually sufficient. Treatment is carried out according to the schemes used for large cell lymphomas.

Article author: Mochalov Pavel Alexandrovich | d. m. n. therapist

Education: Moscow Medical Institute. IM Sechenov, specialty - "General Medicine" in 1991, in 1993 "Occupational Diseases", in 1996 "Therapy".