Diffuse Large B-Cell Lymphoma (DLBCL)
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Overview
Plain-Language Overview
Diffuse Large B-Cell Lymphoma (DLBCL) is a type of cancer that affects the lymphatic system, which is part of the body's immune defense. It involves the rapid growth of abnormal B lymphocytes, a kind of white blood cell that normally helps fight infections. This disease can cause swollen lymph nodes, fever, weight loss, and fatigue due to the spread of cancerous cells. Because it affects the immune system, it can weaken the body's ability to fight infections. The condition can develop quickly and requires medical evaluation to determine the best treatment approach.
Clinical Definition
Diffuse Large B-Cell Lymphoma (DLBCL) is the most common subtype of non-Hodgkin lymphoma, characterized by the malignant proliferation of large B cells in lymph nodes or extranodal sites. It arises from mature B cells that undergo genetic alterations, including translocations involving BCL2, BCL6, or MYC genes, leading to uncontrolled growth and survival. The disease typically presents with rapidly enlarging lymphadenopathy and systemic symptoms such as fever, night sweats, and weight loss (B symptoms). Histologically, it shows sheets of large lymphoid cells with prominent nucleoli and a high mitotic rate. DLBCL is clinically aggressive but potentially curable with prompt chemotherapy. Immunophenotyping reveals expression of pan-B cell markers like CD19, CD20, and CD79a. Molecular subtyping into germinal center B-cell-like or activated B-cell-like types has prognostic significance.