Large cell lymphoma: Types, symptoms, treatment, and more Health ConditionsHealth ConditionsAlzheimer's & DementiaAnxietyArthritisAsthma & AllergiesBreast CancerCancerCardiovascular HealthCOVID-19Dermatology & SkincareDiabetesEnvironment & SustainabilityExercise & FitnessEye HealthHeadache & MigraineHealth EquityHIV & AIDSHuman BiologyInflammatory Bowel DiseaseLeukemiaLGBTQIA+Men's HealthMental HealthMultiple Sclerosis (MS)NutritionParkinson's DiseasePsoriasisSexual HealthWomen's HealthDiscoverNewsLatest NewsOriginal SeriesMedical MythsHonest NutritionThrough My EyesNew Normal HealthPodcastsHow to understand chronic painWhat is behind vaccine hesitancy?The amazing story of hepatitis C, from discovery to cureNew directions in dementia researchCan psychedelics rewire a depressed, anxious brain?Why climate change matters for human healthToolsGeneral HealthDrugs A-ZHealth HubsHealth ToolsBMI Calculators and ChartsBlood Pressure Chart: Ranges and GuideBreast Cancer: Self-Examination GuideSleep CalculatorHealth ProductsAffordable Therapy OptionsBlood Pressure MonitorsDiabetic SuppliesFitness TrackersHome GymsGreen Cleaning ProductsHow to Shop for CBDQuizzesRA Myths vs FactsType 2 Diabetes: Managing Blood SugarAnkylosing Spondylitis Pain: Fact or FictionConnectAbout Medical News TodayWho We AreOur Editorial ProcessContent IntegrityConscious LanguageNewslettersSign UpFollow UsMedical News TodayHealth ConditionsDiscoverToolsConnectSubscribe What to know about large cell lymphomaMedically reviewed by Brett Barlow, MD — By Emily Cronkleton on March 30, 2022Lymphoma is a type of blood cancer that begins in the lymphatic system. The two main types are Hodgkin lymphoma and non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL), which is more common. Large cell lymphoma is a type of NHL. The two most common types of large cell lymphoma are diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) and anaplastic large cell lymphoma (ALCL). This article will focus on the types, causes, and symptoms of large cell lymphoma. It will also cover the risks, diagnosis, and treatment options. What is large cell lymphoma Share on PinterestA histological slide of a tissue sample. Close microscopic view. Large cell lymphoma in the colonic mucosa.Large cell lymphoma is an aggressive form of NHL. It is a type of blood cancer that occurs in white blood cells called lymphocytes, which are part of the immune system. Cancers can originate in the T cells or B cells, which are the two main types of lymphocytes. These cells are essential components of the immune system. Types The two main types of large cell lymphoma are DLBCL and ALCL. Diffuse large B-cell lymphoma DLBCL is the most common type of NHL and large cell lymphoma. It is a fast-growing cancer that can spread to several areas of the body. Although DLBCL usually occurs in adults and older people, it can sometimes develop in children. Localized DLBCL, known as stage 1 or 2 DLBCL, occurs in one part of the body. Advanced, or stage 3 or 4, DLBCL has spread to several areas of the body. DLBCL typically begins as a rapidly growing mass in a lymph node deep within the body, such as in the chest or abdomen. However, it may also originate in lymph nodes just below the skin that a person may be able to feel, including those in the neck and armpit. The disease may also develop in other organs and parts of the body, including the gastrointestinal tract, testes, thyroid, skin, breast, bone, brain, and spinal cord. Learn more about diffuse large B-cell lymphoma. Anaplastic large cell lymphoma ALCL is a rare form of NHL that involves the T cells. In comparison with other T-cell lymphomas, it tends to have better outcomes. ALCL can occur in the skin, lymph nodes, or organs. Doctors classify it as either cutaneous or systemic. ALCL that originates in the skin is called primary cutaneous ALCL. Usually, primary cutaneous ALCL is less aggressive and does not travel to organs or lymph nodes. Systemic ALCL begins in lymph tissue in the neck, chest, abdomen, lungs, skin, or bone. It is more aggressive and widespread than primary cutaneous ALCL. The two types of systemic ALCL are ALK-negative ALCL and ALK-positive ALCL. Learn more about ALCL and other T-cell lymphomas. Causes The exact causes of DLBCL and ALCL are not always clear, although certain groups of people are more at risk. For example, people with family members who have had lymphoma may carry an increased risk, as might people who have the hepatitis C virus. In rare cases, there may be a link to other conditions affecting the immune system, such as:systemic lupus erythematosusrheumatoid arthritisHIV Symptoms The symptoms of large cell lymphoma can vary based on the cancer type and location. Symptoms of diffuse large B-cell lymphoma The symptoms of DLBCL include: painless, swollen lymph nodes digestive discomfort cough breathlessness fatiguedecreased appetite fevernight sweats unintentional weight loss severe itching Symptoms of anaplastic large cell lymphoma The symptoms of ALCL include: raised, discolored skin lesions that may ulcerate and itch and do not healrash swollen lymph nodes fevernight sweats unexplained weight lossbloatingdiarrheavomiting shortness of breath cough pain or pressure in the chest anemiathrombocytopenia Risk factors DLBCL has various associated risk factors, including: chronic inflammationautoimmune conditions, such as rheumatoid arthritis and systemic lupus erythematosusHIVorgan transplantation Children and young adults are more likely to have ALK-positive ALCL, whereas older people have a higher chance of developing ALK-negative ALCL. Both types are more common in males than in females. In rare cases, ALCL is linked to breast implants. Diagnosis The diagnostic procedure for ALCL and DLBCL involves taking a biopsy and viewing the cells under a microscope. Doctors may also order additional tests that provide more detailed information. These may include a: blood testCT scanPET scanMRI scanbone marrow biopsy Treatment The stage of large cell lymphoma and the areas of the body that it affects will determine the suitable treatment options. The options include:surgerychemotherapyradiation therapycertain immunotherapy drugs certain targeted therapy drugs Treatment for diffuse large B-cell lymphoma The standard treatment for DLBCL is a chemotherapy called R-CHOP, which consists of rituximab, cyclophosphamide, doxorubicin hydrochloride, vincristine, and prednisolone. Some people also undergo radiation therapy alongside R-CHOP. Many people respond well to this DLBCL treatment. However, individuals whose lymphoma either recurs after treatment or does not go into remission will require further intervention. Researchers are developing new treatments, such as immunotherapy with adoptive T-cell therapy, for people in high risk groups who do not respond well to R-CHOP. Treatment for anaplastic large cell lymphoma The treatment for ALCL usually involves chemotherapy with CHOP, which consists of cyclophosphamide, doxorubicin hydrochloride, vincristine, and prednisolone. Sometimes, it includes etoposide. Additional treatment options include radiation therapy, targeted therapies, and immunotherapies. People may also have the opportunity to participate in a clinical trial that tests new, targeted drugs. Outlook Many people with large cell lymphoma make a full recovery, especially if they receive a diagnosis in the early stages, begin treatment right away, and respond well to it. Factors that can affect treatment success include age, overall health, and disease progression. Individual responses to treatments can also vary. Summary Large cell lymphoma is an aggressive form of NHL, which is a type of blood cancer that begins in the lymphatic system. The two main types of large cell lymphoma are DLBCL and ALCL. These aggressive blood cancers respond well to treatment, especially if doctors detect and treat them early. People should talk with a doctor as soon as possible if they notice any symptoms that could indicate cancer. Last medically reviewed on March 30, 2022LymphomaBlood / HematologyCancer / OncologyImmune System / VaccinesMedically reviewed by Brett Barlow, MD — By Emily Cronkleton on March 30, 2022 Latest newsWhat sets 'SuperAgers' apart? Their unusually large neuronsOmega-3 may provide a brain boost for people in midlifeSeasonal affective disorder (SAD): How to beat it this fall and winterCDC: Monkeypox in the US 'unlikely to be eliminated in the near future'Why are more women prone to Alzheimer's? 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