Follicular lymphoma is a cancer of the immune system.
Follicular lymphoma is a type of non-Hodgkin lymphoma, one of the most common forms of blood cancer. Non-Hodgkin lymphoma can be either fast growing (aggressive) or slow growing (indolent).
Follicular lymphoma is the most common slow-growing type and occurs in lymphocytes, a type of white blood cell. These cells are an important part of your immune system and help defend your body from infection.
When you have follicular lymphoma, too many white blood cells that are affected by the disease build up in your lymph nodes, blood, and bone marrow. They may also build up in your spleen (an organ in your immune system) and cause swelling of this organ.
Where FL Develops in the Body
What are the signs and symptoms of follicular lymphoma?
Although individuals experience symptoms differently, those with follicular lymphoma often will notice an area of painless swelling on the body, such as on the neck, underarm, or groin. Since follicular lymphoma is slow-growing, immediate treatment is not always needed. If you don't appear to have symptoms, you may not be treated right away. This approach is called “active surveillance” or “watchful waiting.” When your doctor chooses this approach, he or she will closely monitor your condition.
You can take an active role in keeping an eye on your follicular lymphoma by paying careful attention to changes to your health and communicating symptoms to your doctor.
Possible follicular lymphoma symptoms you should watch for include (but are not limited to):
- Swollen lymph nodes in the neck, armpit, or groin, which may be painless
- Fever, fatigue, and night sweats
- Unexplained weight loss
- Severe or frequent infections
- Easy bruising or bleeding
- Numbness or tingling in feet and/or hands
- Headaches and/or blurry vision
Your doctor may look for:
- Swelling in your lymph nodes, liver, or spleen
- An increase in the number of abnormal white blood cells
- A decrease in the number of normal blood cells
Follicular lymphoma cannot be diagnosed by symptoms alone. You are not often the first to notice your follicular lymphoma. It is usually detected by routine check-ups or blood work for other health issues.
If your doctor suspects follicular lymphoma after reviewing your signs and symptoms, he or she will order tests to confirm the diagnosis and to determine how advanced the disease is.
Common tests include:
- Routine tests such as physical exam, blood cell counts, and lymph node or bone marrow biopsy
- Flow cytometry—a sample of your cells is examined using a laser beam and a computer to find out the type of cancer and the number of cells involved
- Imaging tests such as PET-CT or CT scans—these scans produce images of the inside of your body that help show the location of follicular lymphoma
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This is not meant to replace the advice of your healthcare team.