Diffuse large B-cell lymphoma

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Diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) is a cancer of B cells, a type of lymphocyte that is responsible for producing antibodies. It is the most common form of non-Hodgkin lymphoma among adults, with an annual incidence of 7–8 cases per 100,000 people per year in the US and UK. This cancer occurs primarily in older individuals, with a median age of diagnosis at ~70 years, although it can occur in young adults and, in rare cases, children. DLBCL can arise in virtually any part of the body and, depending on various factors, is often a very aggressive malignancy. The first sign of this illness is typically the observation of a rapidly growing mass or tissue infiltration that is sometimes associated with systemic B symptoms (e.g. fever, weight loss, and night sweats). The causes of diffuse large B-cell lymphoma are not well understood. Usually DLBCL arises from normal B cells, but it can also represent a malignant transformation of other types of lymphoma (particularly marginal zone lymphomas) or, in rare cases termed Richter's transformation, chronic lymphocytic leukemia. An underlying immunodeficiency is a significant risk factor for development of the disease. Infections with the Epstein–Barr virus (EBV), Kaposi's sarcoma-associated herpesvirus, human immunodeficiency virus (i.e., HIV), and the Helicobacter pylori bacterium are also associated with the development of some subtypes of diffuse large B-cell lymphoma. However, most cases of this disease are associated with the unexplained stepwise accumulation of gene mutations and changes in gene expression that occur in and progressively promote the malignant behavior of certain B-cell types. Diagnosis of DLBCL is made by removing a portion of the tumor through a biopsy, and then examining this tissue using a microscope. Usually, a hematopathologist makes this diagnosis. Numerous subtypes of DLBCL have been identified that differ in clinical presentation, biopsy findings, aggressiveness,...