You might not even realize that sometimes there are silent battles going on inside our bodies. For example, Mantle Cell Lymphoma (MCL) is a rare cancer that starts in our white blood cells called lymphocytes. It is actually a type of lymphoma called non-Hodgkin lymphoma. Let's talk about this simply, in a way that you can understand.
How does mantle cell lymphoma (MCL) develop? What happens to the body?
Imagine, this cancer called MCL starts spreading very slowly and stealthily in the body at first. But after a while, it can suddenly grow rapidly. This mainly spreads throughout our lymphatic system. The lymphatic system is a type of fluid in our body and a network of vessels that carry that fluid. It's like a system that removes waste from our body.
When the disease gets a little worse , these cancer cells can go out of the lymph nodes and spread to our bloodstream, bone marrow, and sometimes even to places like the digestive system.
Importantly, a person with MCL can have periods of remission, and they can also have recurrences. This can happen multiple times. Although treatment cannot completely cure MCL, it can help prolong the period of remission.
Mantle cell lymphoma is
a very rare cancer . It affects about one in 200,000 people. Although anyone can develop this cancer, people between the ages of 60 and 70 are at a slightly higher risk.
What are the types of mantle cell lymphoma (MCL)?
There are two main types of MCL: 1.
Classical MCL: This is the most common type. It starts in the lymph nodes and spreads to other parts of the body. It is usually a more
aggressive type. 2.
Leukaemic non-nodal MCL: This type usually involves an enlarged spleen and lymphoma cells in the blood and bone marrow. It
grows more slowly than the classical type.
What are the symptoms of this disease? How do you recognize it?
MCL symptoms can vary from person to person. Sometimes they can look like symptoms of a common illness, so you may not even think it's cancer. That's why MCL is often diagnosed late, when the disease has already spread. You may not have any symptoms at all. However, if you do have symptoms, they can include:
Don't be afraid of MCL just because you have these symptoms. But if these symptoms persist,
it's best to see a doctor .
What causes mantle cell lymphoma (MCL)?
Most of the time, MCL is caused by a mutation in some of our genes. This mutation changes the way our B cells, a type of lymphocyte, function. Researchers don't know exactly why this mutation occurs. But here's what happens: 1. The abnormally mutated B cells produce too much of a protein called cyclin D1. This protein helps B cells grow. 2. The excess production of this cyclin D1 protein causes the B cells to divide and multiply uncontrollably. 3. The cells that divide uncontrollably clump together to form tumors.
What are the complications of this condition?
As mantle cell lymphoma progresses, complications such as:
How is mantle cell lymphoma (MCL) diagnosed?
If your doctor suspects you have MCL, they will likely perform several tests.
- Lab tests: These may include a complete blood count (CBC), a comprehensive metabolic panel (CMP), an LDH test, or a uric acid level test. Doctors usually become suspicious if they see an increase in the number of lymphocytes in a blood test.
- Biopsies: Your doctor may recommend a lymph node biopsy or a bone marrow biopsy to confirm whether cancer cells are present. The tissue sample is examined by a pathologist.
- Imaging tests: These tests help to see how far the cancer has spread. Depending on where the cancer is, you may need to have a colonoscopy, CT scan, EGD (esophagogastroduodenoscopy), or PET scan.
If the blood test results are abnormal, your doctor will examine you and ask about your symptoms. They may also feel areas like your neck and armpits to see if your lymph nodes are swollen.
What are the stages of mantle cell lymphoma (MCL)?
Doctors divide the disease into stages based on how far the cancer has spread. They use a special system called the Mantle Cell Lymphoma International Prognostic Index (MIPI). This gives a rough idea of how long a patient can expect to live. In general, the disease is more likely to recur in later stages than in early stages. The stage is determined by how far the cancer has spread:
- Stage I: Limited to one or a few lymph nodes in the same area.
- Stage II: It has spread to two or more lymph nodes on the same side of your diaphragm.
- Stage III: It has spread to both sides of the diaphragm, or to the spleen and lymph nodes above the diaphragm.
- Stage IV: Mantle cell lymphoma has spread to distant sites in the body, or to areas other than the lymph nodes.
How is mantle cell lymphoma (MCL) treated?
Treatment for MCL is not the same for everyone. The treatment that is right for you depends on factors such as where the cancer is and how fast it is growing. Here are some of the treatments available for MCL:
- Chemotherapy: Drugs given to destroy cancer cells.
- Immunotherapy: A treatment that stimulates your body's own immune system to fight cancer.
- Radiation therapy: Destroying cancer cells using high-energy rays.
- Targeted therapy: Drugs that target specific molecules that help cancer cells grow and spread.
- Stem cell transplant: Transplantation of healthy stem cells to replace diseased bone marrow.
You may qualify for some of these treatments, and you may not qualify for some.
If you have MCL, it's also a good idea to consider clinical trials that test new treatments. These new treatments may not completely cure MCL, but they may give you more time to live a happy, symptom-free life. Ask your doctor about this.
Can mantle cell lymphoma (MCL) be prevented?
Unfortunately, MCL cannot be prevented. Just because you have this disease doesn't mean you did anything wrong. Researchers are still trying to figure out why genes in our bodies change (mutate) in ways that cause cancers like MCL.
What is life like with mantle cell lymphoma (MCL)?
Mantle cell lymphoma is not a completely curable type of lymphoma. However, there are treatments that can help you go into remission. Being in remission does not mean that the cancer is completely cured. MCL can relapse months or years later. The time you stay in remission with MCL may be shorter. However, new targeted treatments have been shown to increase this time. Talk to your doctor to learn more about your prognosis.
Survival rate
The five-year survival rate for mantle cell lymphoma is about 50%. This means that about half of people diagnosed with this disease are still alive five years after diagnosis.
But remember, these survival rates are just estimates. They don't tell you exactly how long you will live or how you will respond to any treatment. It's best to talk to your doctor to find out how these rates apply to you.
How do you take care of yourself?
It's extremely important to take care of yourself physically, mentally, and emotionally when living with mantle cell lymphoma. Here are some suggestions that can help you:
- Accept your feelings: Suppressing feelings like sadness and fear won't make them go away. Understanding and allowing your feelings to show through is the first step to finding the support you need.
- Get support: It's helpful to join a support group with people who are going through similar experiences. Ask your doctor about groups in your area or online.
- Manage stress: Find ways to relax. Try mindfulness exercises, such as meditation.
- Get into a routine: The remission and relapse cycle of the disease can make everything feel chaotic. Establishing a routine for your daily activities and sticking to it can help you gain some control.
- Talk to a counselor: It's important to take care of your mental health. A counselor or therapist can help you deal with complex emotions.
When should you see a doctor?
If you are being treated for mantle cell lymphoma, you will need to see your doctor regularly. They will monitor your condition and help you manage the side effects of your treatment. If your disease is in remission, you will need to see your doctor from time to time (follow-ups). Ask your doctor how often you should have these appointments. If you have mantle cell lymphoma (MCL), you are living with the uncertainty of a disease that never truly goes away. You may often worry about whether the disease will relapse. Or you may wonder if the treatment is right for you.
It is normal to feel these feelings. But if this worry is preventing you from enjoying life,
be sure to talk to your doctor . They can refer you to resources that can help you on your journey.
Finally, take-home message:
Mantle cell lymphoma (MCL) can be a scary word. However,
it is important to be aware of it, pay attention to the symptoms, and seek medical advice in a timely manner. Remember, you are not alone. With the right treatment and support, you will find the strength to cope with this condition. Don't hesitate to share any questions or concerns you have with your doctor.
Mantle Cell Lymphoma, Cancer, Blood Cancer, Lymphatic System, Symptoms, Treatment
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