Grade 3b Follicular Lymphoma
What Is Grade 3b Follicular Lymphoma?
Grade 3b Follicular Lymphoma (FL) is an aggressive type of B-cell non-Hodgkin's lymphoma (NHL). It is characterized by large, abnormal cells, and usually appears as a single nodular lesion in the lymph nodes, or rarely, in other organs such as the spleen. Grade 3b FL is a more advanced form of FL, and can be difficult to treat.
Grade 3b FL is more aggressive than lower-grade FLs, and usually requires more intensive treatment, such as a combination of chemotherapy and/or radiation therapy. It can also spread more quickly to other parts of the body. Grade 3b FL can be further divided into two subtypes, which are named based on the specific gene mutations present: Activated B-cell-like (ABC-like) and the Germinal Center B-cell-like (GCB-like).
Symptoms of Grade 3b Follicular Lymphoma
Grade 3b FL may not cause any symptoms, as it can remain asymptomatic for many years. When it starts to cause symptoms, they may include:
- Enlarged lymph nodes in the neck, underarms, or groin
- Unexplained weight loss
- Fatigue
- Fever
- Night sweats
Diagnosing Grade 3b Follicular Lymphoma
FL is generally diagnosed through a biopsy, in which a piece of the lymph node is taken and examined in the laboratory. If the results of the biopsy indicate a grade 3b FL, further tests may be performed in order to determine its subtype, such as a flow cytometry or immunohistochemistry.
Treatment of Grade 3b Follicular Lymphoma
The treatment of grade 3b FL depends on various factors, such as the patient's age, the stage of the disease, and the presence of other conditions. Generally, treatment can range from watchful waiting to more intensive courses of chemotherapy or radiation. In some cases, a stem cell transplant may also be recommended.
It is important to note that grade 3b FL is a very complex and difficult cancer to treat, and it is important to discuss the various options with your physician in order to choose the best course of action.