T-cell lymphoma

Micrograph of an enteropathy-associated T-cell lymphoma (upper right of image), a type of T-cell lymphoma. H&E stain

T-cell Lymphoma

T-cell lymphomas are a subset of lymphomas that primarily affect the T cells, which are a type of white blood cell playing a pivotal role in the immune response. They are distinct from B-cell lymphomas, which involve B cells. T-cell lymphomas constitute a minority of non-Hodgkin lymphomas, with various subtypes displaying different clinical and pathological features.

Etiology

Certain viral infections have been associated with T-cell lymphomas, notably the Epstein Barr virus and Human T-cell leukemia virus-1 (HTLV-1).

Classification

There are several types of T-cell lymphomas, which can be classified into four major categories:

• Extranodal T cell lymphoma: Often found outside of the lymph nodes.
• Cutaneous T cell lymphomas: These primarily affect the skin and include conditions like:
  • Sézary syndrome
  • Mycosis fungoides
• Anaplastic large cell lymphoma: A type characterized by large cells.
• Angioimmunoblastic T-cell lymphoma: Known for its association with immune system reactions.

There are other classification schemes based on the origin, behavior, and specific markers of the T-cell lymphomas. A comprehensive understanding requires detailed analysis and categorization by specialized hematopathologists.

Diagnosis

Diagnosing T-cell lymphoma involves a combination of clinical examination, imaging tests, blood tests, and most importantly, a biopsy of the affected tissue. Through the biopsy, the type of lymphoma can be determined, which is crucial for deciding the most effective treatment strategy.

Treatment

Treatment modalities for T-cell lymphomas vary depending on the subtype and the stage of the disease. Common approaches include:

• Chemotherapy
• Radiation therapy
• Immunotherapy
• Stem cell or bone marrow transplant

Patient-specific factors, including age, overall health, and the presence of other conditions, also influence the choice of treatment.

Epidemiology

T-cell lymphomas, while less common than B-cell lymphomas, still represent a significant subset of lymphatic cancers. They constitute about 8% of all cancers involving the same class of blood cell. Precursor T lymphoblastic cases account for 2%, while cutaneous T cell lymphomas also represent 2% of such cases.

See also

• B-cell lymphoma

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