Non-progressive Follicular Lymphoma
What is Non-progressive Follicular Lymphoma?
Non-progressive Follicular Lymphoma is a form of slow-growing non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma which is characterized by abnormal cell growth that forms an enlarged lymph gland or node. This type of lymphoma is usually found in the lymph nodes and may spread to other lymph nodes, the spleen, and other organs. It is usually slow-growing, but can sometimes become aggressive and spread quickly.
Symptoms of Non-progressive Follicular Lymphoma
The most common symptom of non-progressive follicular lymphoma is the enlargement of one or more lymph nodes. This can be felt as a lump under the skin or noticed if the patient has an imaging test that can see the enlarged lymph nodes. Other symptoms may include weight loss, fever, night sweats, fatigue, and an overall feeling of not feeling well.
Diagnosis of Non-progressive Follicular Lymphoma
If your doctor suspects you might have non-progressive follicular lymphoma, he or she may perform a physical exam to look for enlarged lymph nodes. Additional tests may include an imaging test such as an x-ray or a biopsy of a lymph node or affected area. A biopsy is a procedure in which a small sample of tissue is removed and examined by a pathologist to make a diagnosis.
Treatment for Non-progressive Follicular Lymphoma
The goal of treatment is to manage the symptoms, prevent disease progression, and prolong the patient's lifespan. Treatment may include:
- Radiation therapy – uses high-energy X-rays to destroy cancer cells
- Chemotherapy – uses drugs to kill cancer cells
- Targeted therapy – uses medications to block the growth and spread of cancer cells
- Immunotherapy – uses the body’s immune system to fight cancer cells
- Bone marrow transplantation – replaces the diseased bone marrow with healthy bone marrow
Prognosis for Non-progressive Follicular Lymphoma
Non-progressive follicular lymphoma is considered one of the slowest growing types of lymphoma. Because the disease can be managed with treatments mentioned above, the prognosis is usually positive. Still, with the slow-growing nature of the disease, careful monitoring is recommended for long-term benefits.