Mantle Cell Lymphoma (MCL)
What is Mantle Cell Lymphoma(MCL)?
Mantle cell lymphoma (MCL) is a type of B-cell non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL). NHL is a cancer in which the body’s white blood cells, called B lymphocytes, grow out of control and form tumors. MCL is a rare type of B-cell NHL, accounting for about 6% of all cases of NHL in the United States. MCL usually starts in the lymph nodes, but can spread to other organs like the bone marrow, spleen, liver, and gastrointestinal tract.
Symptoms of Mantle Cell Lymphoma (MCL)
Common symptoms of MCL may include:
- Fever
- Night sweats
- Fatigue
- Weight loss
- Painless lymph node enlargement
Causes of Mantle Cell Lymphoma (MCL)
The exact causes of MCL are not yet known, but certain genetic changes are believed to play a role. These changes can cause genes that control B-cell growth and maturation to become faulty and result in the out-of-control growth of B-cells seen in MCL.
Treatments for Mantle Cell Lymphoma (MCL)
Treatment for MCL depends on the stage of the disease, but can include chemotherapy, radiation therapy, stem cell transplantation, and newer targeted treatments. Treatment is aimed at keeping the disease under control and relieving symptoms. The overall prognosis for patients with MCL varies depending on a number of factors, including age, stage of the disease, and response to treatment.