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Follicular lymphoma is a type of non-Hodgkin's lymphoma, a cancer that affects the lymphatic system. It is a slow-growing cancer that usually affects older adults and arises from B lymphocytes, a type of white blood cell that helps fight infection.
The hallmark of follicular lymphoma is the presence of abnormal B lymphocytes that form nodules, or follicles, in the lymph nodes and other organs such as the spleen, bone marrow, and liver. These follicles can sometimes be felt as lumps under the skin or in the abdomen, but they are often too small to be detected by physical examination.
Symptoms of follicular lymphoma can include enlarged lymph nodes, fatigue, night sweats, weight loss, and fever. However, many people with follicular lymphoma may not have any symptoms, and the disease is often discovered incidentally during routine medical exams or imaging studies.
Diagnosis of follicular lymphoma typically involves a biopsy of an enlarged lymph node or other affected tissue, as well as imaging studies such as CT scans or PET scans to determine the extent of the disease. Treatment options for follicular lymphoma depend on the stage and severity of the disease, but may include watchful waiting, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, targeted therapy, or stem cell transplantation.
Overall, the prognosis for follicular lymphoma is generally favorable, with many patients living for several years or even decades with the disease. However, because follicular lymphoma is a chronic condition, ongoing monitoring and treatment may be necessary to manage symptoms and prevent complications.