Types of Lymphoma and Their Treatment Options
Lymphoma occurs when there is an imbalance in the white blood cells of the lymphatic system. Since these white blood cells are present in the lymph system that makes up the extensive network throughout the body, it can metastasize and spread quickly to internal organs.
Under the different types of lymphoma, there are T lymphocytes and B lymphocytes from the non-Hodgkin lymphoma group. Let’s take a comprehensive look at the various types of T cell lymphoma.
T lymphocytes or T cell lymphoma
T cells are formed in the bone marrow and develop in the thymus. The different types of lymphoma under T cell lymphoma are:
Peripheral T-cell lymphoma not otherwise specified
It’s one of the different types of lymphoma from the non-Hodgkin lymphoma group. The lymphomas differ from each other but share similar symptoms. At an advanced stage, it is categorized into several subtypes of T-cell lymphoma.
Angioimmunoblastic T-cell lymphoma (AITL) and follicular T-cell lymphoma (FTCL)
Both T cells produce this lymphoma. Both are slow-growing and are often mistaken for fast-growing lymphomas. A white blood cell called follicular T cell causes the development of this disease. The affected lymph nodes will have abnormal immune cells with numerous small blood vessels and are found in the follicles.
Anaplastic large cell lymphoma (ALCL)
This type develops from the T cells in the white blood cells. The cancerous cells look large, abnormal, and undeveloped. The different types of lymphoma found under this type are:
- ALK-positive ALCL
- ALK-negative ALCL
- Breast implant-associated ALCL
- Primary cutaneous ALCL
Cutaneous T-cell lymphoma
This is a rare form of cancer caused by T lymphocytes and can develop abnormalities to attack the skin. It forms red patches and can spread all over the body. It progresses aggressively and causes redness all over the body. The skin begins to thicken in multiple areas, causing lumps.
Intestinal T-cell lymphomas
This rare and fast-growing disease is one that grows in the small bowel. The gut or the intestine develops it from white blood cells called T lymphocytes.
Extranodal NK/T-cell lymphoma, nasal type
The rapid-growing lymphoma develops outside the lymphatic system, often in the nose.
Hepatosplenic T-cell lymphoma
It’s yet another aggressive lymphoma that develops in the spleen and liver. It’s a rare disease and normally affects younger adults. The low function of the immune system is considered to be the primary cause of this.
Learning about the various subtypes of lymphoma comes handy during emergencies. Watch out for any symptoms and consult your doctor if you notice more than a few drastic changes in your body functions.