Follicular lymphoma is a common type of Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma (NHL). It is a slow growing lymphoma that arises from B-cells, a type of white blood cell. It is also called an "indolent" or "low-grade" lymphoma for its slow nature, both in terms of its behavior and how it looks under the microscope.
Follicular lymphoma mainly affects older adults. The average age is about 55. Men and women are nearly equally affected. This lymphoma is more common in North America and Europe than in Asia.
Follicular lymphoma is subtle, with minor symptoms that often go unnoticed for a long time. Enlargement of lymph nodes is a common symptom. Fever, weight loss, sweating and fatigue are other symptoms of lymphoma. For more details on symptoms, see
Follicular lymphoma is diagnosed with a lymph node biopsy. A small sample of the affected node is taken and seen under the microscope by a pathologist. The features of the affected node suggest the presence of a lymphoma. After lymphoma diagnosis, the sample goes through other tests to detect the presence of markers that aid in determining prognosis and treatment. See the following articles for more details:
Like most lymphomas, follicular lymphomas mainly affect lymph nodes. When the lymph nodes affected by this lymphoma are seen under the microscope, they show rounded structures called "follicles." The lymphoma is therefore called follicular lymphoma.
A number of tests are required when follicular lymphoma is first diagnosed. These allow the doctor to see the exact extent of the disease and which organs are affected. Blood tests, CT scans and bone marrow tests are required as a routine. These tests are required for staging of lymphoma and to determine the prognosis and treatment approach. To know more about these tests see
The stage of follicular lymphoma indicates the extent to which the disease has spread. Lymphoma spreads to lymph nodes as well as other organs in the body including the bone marrow. There are four stages of lymphoma – stage I to stage IV, with a higher stage depicting a more advanced disease. The stage and various other factors determine the prognosis of follicular lymphoma. Prognosis is calculated with the FLIPI index. To learn more about stages and prognosis see
Follicular lymphoma is a slow growing disease. It often remains unnoticed for a long time in the body before it is diagnosed. As the symptoms are subtle, the disease is often advanced before a diagnosis is made. Most individuals are diagnosed in stage III or IV. However, even in advanced stages there is no immediate threat to life. The disease has a "waxing and waning" course – it flares up and regresses a number of times over years. Even though none of the treatments are curative in advanced stages, many patients survive for 8 to 10 years or more with treatment.
A number of treatment options exist for the treatment of follicular lymphoma. In early stages of the disease, radiation therapy can work very well. In the more advanced stages, the treatment depends on the extent of disease and the symptoms of the patient. Some individuals with few or no symptoms and stable disease may be observed, without treatment, until the disease shows signs of progression. For others, the treatment is chemotherapy. Chemotherapy drugs may be taken by mouth or as injections. Monoclonal antibody therapy with Rituximab has also been approved for treatment of follicular lymphoma. Treatment options are explained in detail in
