Monoclonal B-cell lymphocytosis
Monoclonal B-cell lymphocytosis (pronunciation: mɒnəʊˈkləʊn(ə)l biː sɛl lɪmfəʊsaɪˈtoʊsɪs) is a medical condition characterized by the presence of abnormal B cells in the blood. The term is derived from the Greek words monos (meaning single), klonos (meaning twig), lympho (meaning clear fluid), and cytosis (meaning condition of cells).
Definition
Monoclonal B-cell lymphocytosis (MBL) is a condition in which there is an increase in the number of identical B cells in the blood. These cells are produced from a single parent cell, hence the term 'monoclonal'. MBL is often discovered incidentally during routine blood tests and is not associated with any symptoms.
Epidemiology
MBL is more common in older adults and its prevalence increases with age. It is also more common in individuals with a family history of lymphocytic leukemia or other lymphoproliferative disorders.
Clinical Significance
While MBL itself does not cause any symptoms, individuals with MBL have an increased risk of developing chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL). However, the majority of individuals with MBL do not develop CLL.
Diagnosis
The diagnosis of MBL is made by identifying an increased number of monoclonal B cells in the blood. This is typically done using flow cytometry, a technique that can identify and measure the number of specific types of cells in a sample of blood.
Treatment
As MBL does not cause any symptoms and most individuals with MBL do not develop CLL, treatment is not typically required. Instead, individuals with MBL are often monitored closely for any signs of progression to CLL.
See Also
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Monoclonal B-cell lymphocytosis
- Wikipedia's article - Monoclonal B-cell lymphocytosis
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