Anaplastic large cell lymphoma

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Anaplastic Large Cell Lymphoma (pronunciation: an-uh-plas-tik large cell lim-foh-muh) is a type of Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma that affects the Lymphatic System. The term "anaplastic" refers to the abnormal appearance of the cancerous cells, while "large cell" denotes the size of these cells under a microscope.

Etymology

The term "Anaplastic" is derived from the Greek word "anaplasia" which means "to form backward", referring to the regressive cellular changes seen in this type of cancer. "Lymphoma" is derived from the Latin word "lympha" meaning "water", and the Greek word "oma" meaning "tumor" or "mass".

Description

Anaplastic Large Cell Lymphoma (ALCL) is characterized by the presence of large, abnormal lymphocytes known as Anaplastic Lymphoma Kinase (ALK) positive cells. These cells can be found in the lymph nodes, skin, bones, soft tissues, lungs, and liver. ALCL is further classified into two types: ALK-positive and ALK-negative, based on the presence or absence of the ALK protein.

Symptoms

Common symptoms of Anaplastic Large Cell Lymphoma include swollen, painless lymph nodes, fatigue, weight loss, fever, and night sweats. Skin symptoms such as rashes and itchy skin may also be present in some cases.

Diagnosis

Diagnosis of Anaplastic Large Cell Lymphoma typically involves a Biopsy of the affected lymph node or tissue. Further tests such as Immunohistochemistry, Flow Cytometry, and genetic testing may also be conducted to confirm the diagnosis and determine the subtype of ALCL.

Treatment

Treatment options for Anaplastic Large Cell Lymphoma include Chemotherapy, Radiation Therapy, Immunotherapy, and in some cases, Stem Cell Transplant.

Prognosis

The prognosis for Anaplastic Large Cell Lymphoma varies depending on several factors including the subtype of ALCL, the stage of the disease at diagnosis, the patient's overall health, and response to treatment.

See Also

External links

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