Lymphoma is one of the types of cancer that affects the lymphatic system. B-cell lymphoma is also known as non-Hodgkin lymphoma. It is caused by the development of abnormal white blood cells called lymphocytes. The abnormal lymphocytes do not die and are replaced by new lymphocytes. Instead, they continue to grow and multiply in the lymph nodes, causing the lymph nodes to swell.

The survival rate for B-cell lymphoma is calculated based on the stage of progression when it is diagnosed and treated.

Diagnosis of B-cell Lymphoma

One of the most common symptoms associated with B-cell lymphoma is swollen lymph nodes, also known as lymphadenopathy.

Swollen lymph nodes are not painful, but they may feel uncomfortable under the skin, especially in the neck and armpit areas. Affected people may also experience unexplained weight loss and loss of appetite.

Doctors use these symptoms to test patients to see if they have B-cell lymphoma. This is done through a series of tests, such as a biopsy and bone marrow scan. Immunohistochemical staining and flow cytometry may also be performed on the biopsy material. Apart from this, paracentesis and thoracentesis with pleural effusion also help in diagnosis and thus help in calculating the survival rate of B-cell lymphoma.

Stage and Treatment of B-cell Lymphoma

Depending on the extent of spread, the staging and treatment of B-cell lymphoma is determined to know the survival rate. It is very important to consult an oncologist to know the stage of cancer and its treatment.

Stage I and II – The cancer in these stages is only found in one or more lymph nodes on the same side of the diaphragm. These stages indicate that the cancer has invaded into extralymphatic sites but not into the lymph node area. B-cell lymphoma in these stages has a better survival rate than later stages due to local spread.

Stage I and II lymphoma can be treated with two to three courses of radiation therapy or chemotherapy. The main goal of treatment is to shrink the tumor and stop it from growing further. The number of treatments depends on the extent of spread and the patient's response to treatment.

Stage III and IV – These two stages are considered to be advanced stages of any type of cancer due to recurrence. In these stages, the cancer has spread to all the lymph nodes. Once the malignant cells infect the lymph nodes, they can easily spread to other parts of the body. Lymphoma usually spreads to the bone marrow, liver, and lungs. The survival rate is lower in these stages compared to stage I and II.

Advanced stages of the cancer require multiple combined chemotherapy and radiation treatments. This is due to the possibility of recurrence. Apart from this, stage III and IV B-cell lymphoma can also be treated with immunotherapy, which involves the injection of certain drugs that boost the immune system, thereby helping the body fight the malignant cells.