Large Cell Immunoblastic Lymphoma is a type of cancer that affects the lymphocytes, a type of white blood cells. The word is pronounced /lɑːrdʒ sɛl ɪˌmjunoʊˈblæstɪk lɪmˈfoʊmə/ and spelled using the International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA) phonetic transcription. The "ɑː" symbol represents the "a" sound in "large," while "ɛ" represents the "e" sound in "cell." The "ɪ" symbol stands for the "i" sound in "immunoblastic," followed by "u" to represent the "u" sound in "immune." Finally, the "oʊ" symbol represents the "o" sound in "lymphoma."
Large Cell Immunoblastic Lymphoma is a type of aggressive B-cell non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL) that primarily affects the lymph nodes and other lymphatic tissues. It is characterized by the presence of large, immunoblastic or plasmablastic cells, which have an abnormal appearance under a microscope.
This lymphoma subtype is mainly diagnosed in adults, usually between the ages of 30 and 60, but it can also affect children. Patients typically present with symptoms such as painless swelling of the lymph nodes, fever, night sweats, and weight loss, which are common indicators of lymphoma.
The large cell immunoblastic cells are derived from B-cells, which are a type of white blood cell responsible for producing antibodies. These cells are often aggressive and rapidly divide, leading to the aggressive nature of this lymphoma. It can sometimes spread beyond the lymph nodes to involve other organs, such as the bone marrow, liver, and spleen.
The prognosis of large cell immunoblastic lymphoma varies depending on several factors, including the age of the patient, the stage of the disease, and their overall health. Treatment options may involve a combination of chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and targeted therapy drugs, such as monoclonal antibodies. Stem cell transplantation may also be considered in some cases.
In summary, large cell immunoblastic lymphoma is an aggressive type of non-Hodgkin lymphoma characterized by the presence of large, abnormal immune cells in the lymph nodes and other tissues. Prompt diagnosis and appropriate treatment are crucial for managing this condition.