B-cell lymphoma is one of the two primary types of Non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL). Lymphoma is known to affect major sites of lymph tissue in the body, specifically the lymph nodes, spleen, bone marrow, thymus, adenoids, tonsils, and the digestive tract. B-cell lymphoma mainly affects the white blood cells (lymphocytes) crippling the immune system, making the body severely vulnerable to imminent external threats. A weakened immune system is a result of the rapid destruction of B-cells that are responsible for making antibodies to help the body fight infections and virus attacks.

There are no known causes of B-cell lymphoma; however, researchers attribute certain triggers including changes in the genes and the immune system that cause cancer cells to develop. People who have specific immune deficiencies, autoimmune diseases, or those who suffer from chronic infections are at a higher risk of developing B-cell lymphoma.

Note that factors like age, gender, family history, exposure to elements, the immune system, and overall lifestyle influence the survival rate during and after treatment. B-cell lymphoma survival rates also vary depending on the various stages of the condition. Scientists estimate a 5-year survival rate for people suffering from Non-Hodgkins lymphoma. However, there have been cases that show better chances of survival depending on the severity of the condition.

Survival estimates are based on previous outcomes of people who have suffered from the condition. It is also difficult to isolate estimates for a single patient because of the limitations with respect to statistics and data available for reference.

There are two primary prognostic indexes that help doctors determine the outlook for people suffering from NHL.

International Prognostic Index (IPI)
Doctors can make use of the International Prognostic Index (IPI) to determine an estimate for B-cell lymphoma survival among common types of lymphoma. The index takes into account the patient’s age, stage of lymphoma, cancer location, performance status of the patient, and blood serum level indicating the amount of lymphoma in the system. A revised IPI has also been launched in recent years helping doctors conclude a better prognosis for various risk categories.

Follicular Lymphoma International Prognostic Index (FLIPI)
Doctors rely on the Follicular Lymphoma International Prognostic Index (FLIPI) to determine follicular lymphomas with a different prognostic approach and estimate the survival rate. The FLIPI also provides varied estimates for a 2-year, 5-year, and even 10-year survival, depending on the number of people in various risk groups for the said duration.

Patients are assigned prognostic points to further categorize them and determine B-cell lymphoma survival rates with better accuracy. The prognostic points classify patients into different risk categories that help doctors estimate the percentage of survivors in every risk category to help draw conclusions from the statistics.

Lymphoma is among those cancers that affect the lymphatic system. B-cell lymphoma is also referred to as Non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma. It occurs because of the development of abnormal white blood cells called lymphocytes. The abnormal lymphocytes do not die to be replaced by new ones. Instead, they continue to grow and multiply inside the lymph nodes, leading to its swelling.

The B-cell lymphoma survival rate is calculated with the help of diagnosis and treatment based on its stage of progression.

Diagnosing B-cell lymphoma
One of the most common symptoms related to B-cell lymphoma is the swollen lymph nodes, which is also called lymphadenopathy. The swollen lymph nodes are not painful but might feel uncomfortable beneath the skin, especially, in the neck and the armpit region. The individual might also experience unexplained weight loss and lack of appetite.

On observing these symptoms, the doctor examines if the person is suffering from B-cell lymphoma. This is done through a series of tests like a biopsy and a bone marrow examination. Immunohistochemical stains and flow cytometry of the biopsied material might also be conducted. Apart from this, paracentesis and thoracentesis with pleural effusion can also help in diagnosing and thus calculating B-cell lymphoma survival rate.

Stage and treatment of B-cell lymphoma
Based on the extent of spread, the stage and the treatment of B-cell lymphoma are decided to understand the survival rate. It is important to consult an oncologist about the stage of cancer and thus its treatment.

• Stage I and II– Cancer in these stages is found only in one or more lymph nodes on the same side of the diaphragm. These stages indicate that cancer has invaded the extra lymphatic sites but not the lymph node regions. B-cell lymphoma has a better survival rate in these stages than later stages because of its localized spread. Stage I and II lymphoma can be treated using two to three sittings of radiotherapy or chemotherapy. The main aim of the treatment is to shrink the tumor and stop it from growing further. The number of sittings depends on the extent of spread and the patient’s response toward the therapy.
• Stage III and IV– Both these stages are said to be the advanced stages of any form of cancer because of its reocurrence. These stages experience spread of cancer across all the lymph nodes. Once the malignant cells have infected the lymph nodes, they can easily spread to the other parts of the body. Lymphoma often spread to the bone marrow, liver, and lungs. The survival rate at these stages is less when compared with stage I and II.

The advanced stage of cancer requires multiple and combined approaches of chemotherapy and radiotherapy sessions. This is because of the probability of reoccurrences. Apart from this, stage III and IV B-cell lymphoma is also treated using immunotherapy, where certain medicines are injected that help in improving the immune system, thus, helping the body fight the malignant cells.

The lymph system forms a vital part of the overall body immune system. Lymph nodes forming part of this system have the important task of carrying the lymph fluids, nutrients and even waste material from the body tissues to the blood stream and back. These are small, glands which resemble the shape of beans and help carry the fluids throughout our body.

Swollen glands in neck, alternatively known as swollen lymph nodes refers to a condition which can be caused due to any injury, any infection or in severe cases due to the tumor which develops near the lymph nodes. Since the lymph nodes system is the body’s defense system against known diseases, swollen glands in the neck should be treated with immediate effect.

The most common causes of swollen glands include:

• Swelling in glands can be caused due to any infection or tumor which develops near vital organs in the lungs, breasts, neck or even in your abdomen. The glands above your collarbone may swell due to these areas being affected, a condition which targets the supraclavicular lymph nodes.
• An infection in the foot, legs, or genitals can cause a condition which leads to swollen glands commonly affecting the femoral or inguinal lymph nodes.
• Infection being the most common cause can also affect the axillary lymph nodes, which are found in your armpits.

Swollen glands in neck particularly exhibit the following symptoms:

• Generally, swollen glands in the neck are a common sign that your lymph system is not functioning properly. The first signs or symptoms of swollen glands in neck include tenderness and shooting pains in the lymph nodes.
• The swelling is quite noticeable since the size of the bulge resembles that of peas, or kidney beans or sometimes even larger.
• Respiratory infections which affect the swollen glands in the neck can cause a person to experience soreness in the throat, fever, runny nose among few other visible indicators.
• Night sweats are a noticeable indicator of swollen glands in the neck or other areas of the body, which can be caused due to severe conditions like a tumor or other immune disorders. Since the lymph system forms part of the immune system, it is only evident that your body’s ability to fight diseases is compromised due to developing lymph nodes.

The symptoms may be mild or severe, can be persistent or even chronic. Whatever the case may be, it is advisable to seek professional medical help as soon as the symptoms start showing up.

Cancer that is rooted in the body’s lymphatic system is known as Non Hodgkin Lymphoma. In this type of cancer, tumors develop in white blood cells known as lymphocytes. There are many types of Non Hodgkin Lymphoma of which follicular lymphoma and diffuse large B cell lymphoma are most common. Thankfully, Non Hodgkin Lymphoma treatment has a high success rate.

When it comes to cancer treatment such as Non Hodgkin Lymphoma treatment, the earlier a diagnosis is confirmed the easier the disease is to treat. Hence, it is important to be able to recognize the symptoms of this disease. These include:
• Sudden weight loss
• Swollen lymph nodes in the neck, armpits or groin that may be painless
• Pain in the abdomen
• Swelling of the abdomen
• Chest pain
• Persistent cough and difficulty breathing
• Fatigue
• Fever
• Excessive sweating at night
If you notice any of these symptoms consult a doctor so that your Non Hodgkin Lymphoma treatment can be started at the earliest.

Some factors that could play a role in increasing your risk of developing this disease are:
• A weak immune system
• Being on medication that suppresses the immune system
• Having had an organ transplant
• Bacterial and viral infections such as Helicobacter pylori or HIV
• Exposure to chemicals and pesticides
• Old age

The first step to your Non Hodgkin Lymphoma treatment is to confirm a diagnosis. For this, your doctor may ask for a few tests including:
• A physical examination
• A blood and urine test
• CT scan, MRI or PET scan
• Lymph node biopsy
• Bone marrow biopsy

Depending on the results of the above tests, your doctor will be able to ascertain the type and stage of your lymphoma. This along with your age and overall health will determine the course of treatment best suited to you. Slow growing Lymphomas may not require treatment and your doctor may advise you to wait and watch. In case treatment is required, it may take the form of:

• Chemotherapy: This involves oral or injectable medication that kills the cancer cells. Chemotherapy is usually used in combination with other forms of treatment.

• Radiation: High-powered energy rays are used to shrink tumors and kill cancer cells.

• Stem cell treatment: This involves harvesting stem cells form the patient or a donor and re-injecting them into the patient’s body after high dosage chemotherapy or radiation.

• Medication to boost the immune system: Here the patient is given biological drugs to strengthen the immune system.

• Radio immunotherapy: The patient is given monoclonal antibodies with radioactive isotopes that attach themselves to cancerous cells and deliver radiation to only these cells.
Non Hodgkin Lymphoma treatment has a high success rate but can be emotionally draining. Hence it is very important to have a strong support system in place when dealing with this condition.

There are many kinds of diseases that people battle with on a daily basis, and cancer is one such life-threatening disease which can create a host of complications in one’s life. There are many different kinds of cancer that can affect various organs and parts of the body. Non Hodgkin Lymphoma cancer is a kind of cancer which can be found in the lymphatic system of the body. Read on to know more about this condition.

• Causes: This tumor basically develops in the white blood cells of the body’s lymphatic system. This happens when the body produces too many of these kind of white blood cells which are known as lymphocytes. It is common knowledge that the cancer cells are abnormal cells that develop in a certain organ, and the same goes for this kind of cancer too. This can begin in the B Cells or even the T Cells. The B cells contain antibodies that fight infections and they usually work towards making foreign bodies neutral so that any infection does not take place. T Cells are the ones that directly kill the invader antibodies that may cause health problems. When these cells multiply to a great extent, they become abnormal cells which can cause Hodgkin Lymphoma cancer.

• Spread and Risk Factors: This kind of cancer can spread from the lymphatic system to various others and cells of the body, which may cause further complications. Further, there are a number of risk factors that are associated with the rise and spread of this disease. The growth of these abnormal cells may happen when you take too many medications that end up suppressing the immunity and the way the immune system of your body works. Also, exposure to harmful chemicals and old age are also some risk factors that may trigger the start of this disease.

• Diagnosis: The general physician will usually refer you to an oncologist once the initial symptoms have been recognized. The oncologist will then conduct numerous tests so as to detect the problem. From lab tests that will study the blood and urine samples, to a biopsy based on a sample lymph node extracted from your body, and imaging tests like MRI and CAT scans, there are a number of ways to test and diagnose the disease.

• Treatment: The doctor will basically look for cells in the bone marrow during the diagnosis phase. The extent of the same will help in deciding what kind of treatment method is to be adopted. Stem cell transplant is one of the main methods that many doctors make use of, and it is highly advisable to bank the stem cell of the baby upon delivery so that diseases like this may be effectively treated. Apart from this, radiation and chemotherapy may also be conducted by the oncologist, depending on the spread of the disease. In many cases, the doctor may not carry out treatment instantly because the progression of this disease is usually very slow.