What is T Cell Lymphoma?

What is T cell lymphoma?T Cell Lymphoma It is a particular kind of lymphoma (cancer of the immune system/white blood cells) found in one of two distinct forms: Hodgkin and  non-Hodgkin varieties.

Hodgkin lymphoma includes a particular Reed-Sternberg cell whereas non-Hodgkin lymphoma does not. T cell damage is caused when a lymphocyte (type of white blood cell) multiplies to the point where it causes damage to surrounding organs and tissues.

What causes T cell lymphoma?

T cell lymphoma may be caused by many different factors. For example, certain viral infections can lead to T cell lymphomas that include HTLV-1 (Human T-cell lymphotropic virus type 1), EBV (Epstein–Barr virus, also known as Human Herpes virus 4), Adenovirus & Parvovirus B19.

While all causes of T cell lymphoma are not yet fully understood it is believed to be more common in people who indulge in heavy drinking, tobacco chewing\smoking, prolonged sun exposure, radiation therapy, celiac disease, exposure to chemicals, and various kinds of autoimmune deficiencies.

What are the symptoms of T cell lymphoma?

Symptoms vary depending on which type of lymphoma is present. However, some of the more common symptoms include flat and scaly skin, itchy rashes across the body, thickened plaques of skin, lumps under the skin, abnormalities in nail and hair growth, skin sores which don’t heal, and red bumps on the skin.

How do you diagnose T cell lymphoma?

Diagnosing T cell lymphoma requires a comprehensive laboratory work up. The patient’s medical history is used to determine that observed symptoms are not caused by something other than T cell lymphoma. Lab tests also are useful in determining the onset of the condition.

Laboratory work involves clinical findings based on disease symptoms and attendant blood abnormalities. CT and PET scans are of limited use in detecting T cell lymphoma due to involvement of bone marrow.  Typically biopsies are required for accurate diagnoses.

How is T cell lymphoma treated?

Treatment typically involves some type of chemotherapy. Chemotherapy, radiation therapy, stem cell transplant and various surgeries are all used to manage T cell lymphoma. Chemotherapy often consists of a combination of  drugs such as pralatrexate, gemcitabine, romidepsin, belinostat, and brentuximabvedotin. The treatment prescribed very much depends on the type of lymphoma present as well as the general health of the patient undergoing treatment.

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