What is follicular lymphoma and how does it relate to small B cells?
Follicular lymphoma is a type of non-Hodgkin lymphoma that develops from B cells (also called B lymphocytes), which are small white blood cells that are part of your immune system. These B cells normally make antibodies to help protect you from Show Full Answer
What is follicular lymphoma and how does it relate to small B cells?
Follicular lymphoma is a type of non-Hodgkin lymphoma that develops from B cells (also called B lymphocytes), which are small white blood cells that are part of your immune system. These B cells normally make antibodies to help protect you from infections.
In follicular lymphoma, genetic changes cause these B cells to become abnormal. Instead of dying naturally like they should, they live too long and pile up in your body. This buildup of abnormal B cells is what leads to the symptoms of follicular lymphoma.
Follicular lymphoma is considered a low-grade or indolent cancer, meaning it grows slowly. It's the most common type of non-Hodgkin lymphoma, accounting for about 20-30% of all cases.
The most common symptom is painless swelling in lymph nodes in your neck, armpits, or groin. Other symptoms can include:
- Fever
- Night sweats
- Unexplained weight loss
- Fatigue
Because it grows slowly, some people may not have symptoms at all and the condition is discovered during routine blood work or tests for other reasons.
April 20
Join
Your Privacy Choices
