Recognizing Common Blood Cancer Symptoms
Malignant hematologic conditions, or blood cancers, are diseases that originate in the blood or blood-forming tissues, such as the red blood cells or bone marrow.
As one of the most common cancers found in patients across the United States, non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL) represents roughly 4% of all cancer diagnoses and claims almost 20,000 lives per year. One of the rarest yet most aggressive forms of NHL is mantle cell lymphoma, which accounts for approximately 6% of all NHL diagnoses. Here’s a breakdown of the risk factors, symptoms and treatment options for this type of cancer.
This form of cancer gets its name from the fact that it originates in the “mantle” area of the white blood cells known as lymphocytes, which are located in lymph nodes of the neck, groin, armpits and other regions of the immune system. In patients with mantle cell lymphoma, B cell lymphocytes which are normal, healthy cells that can become cancerous begin to rapidly multiply, forming tumors in the lymph nodes.
Mantle cell lymphoma is most often noticed and diagnosed in its later stages or in cases involving the bone marrow, gastrointestinal tract, liver and spleen. Most often, the cancer has spread to other areas of the body by the time it’s diagnosed—and unfortunately, that makes it very difficult to cure. Strides are being made toward new treatment methods, however, and the existing standard of care for this rare form of NHL helps patients live longer at a higher quality of life.
While men are more likely than women to develop mantle cell lymphoma, the signs and symptoms are similar and include:
Few risk factors have been identified for mantle cell lymphoma specifically, as the disease is rare and not genetically acquired. However, the sooner this or any other NHL is detected, the sooner treatment can begin. So, be aware of these common NHL risk factors:
Treatment of mantle cell lymphoma must begin immediately after diagnosis for the best outcome. At Regional Cancer Care Associates, our team of expert oncologists and other medical professionals will devise a personalized treatment plan that may include:
Your doctors will work together to determine the most appropriate treatment for your needs and guide you through every step to help you feel confident with your care.
If you’ve been diagnosed with mantle cell lymphoma or another form of cancer, don’t delay in beginning your treatment at Regional Cancer Care Associates. With more than 30 locations in Connecticut, Maryland and New Jersey, you’ll find comfort in our patient-centered approach that allows our team of experts to tend to your unique needs. For more information, schedule a consultation at Regional Cancer Care Associates or call 844-346-7222 with any questions or concerns.
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