Follicular Lymphoma

Follicular Lymphoma is a type of cancer that affects the lymphatic system, which is part of the body's immune system. It involves the abnormal growth of a type of white blood cell called B lymphocytes in lymph nodes. This condition usually causes painless swelling of lymph nodes, often in the neck, armpits, or groin. It can also affect other organs and tissues, leading to symptoms like fatigue or weight loss. Because it grows slowly, many people may not notice symptoms early on. The disease primarily impacts the body's ability to fight infections and maintain normal immune function.

Follicular Lymphoma is a low-grade B-cell non-Hodgkin lymphoma characterized by the clonal proliferation of germinal center B cells forming follicle-like structures in lymph nodes. It is commonly driven by the t(14;18)(q32;q21) translocation, which leads to overexpression of the anti-apoptotic protein BCL2, preventing normal cell death. This lymphoma typically presents with painless lymphadenopathy and has an indolent clinical course but can transform into a more aggressive lymphoma. It involves the germinal center B cells expressing markers such as CD10, CD19, CD20, and BCL6. The disease is significant due to its potential for widespread lymph node involvement and risk of transformation to diffuse large B-cell lymphoma, which worsens prognosis.