A type of blood cancer that begins to develop in the white blood cells in the lymph nodes (lymphocytes) is called mantle cell lymphoma (MCL). A lot of people who develop this type of blood cancer experience a cycle of remission and relapse. It means the symptoms disappear for a short period and then return. It is not possible to cure this type of cancer. That’s why the treatment goal is to relieve the symptoms, prevent serious complications, and improve your quality of life.
Furthermore, MCL is a subtype of non-Hodgkin lymphoma that starts as a slow-growing tumor in the early stages. In more advanced stages, the tumor begins to grow fast and may spread throughout the lymphatic system and other parts of the body (such as bone marrow or digestive system).
In general, mantle cell lymphoma is a rare type of cancer, and it affects about 1 in 200,000 people.
Types of Mantle Cell Lymphoma
Healthcare professionals have divided this type of cancer into 2 categories. These include:
- Classical MCL – This type of MCL begins in the lymph nodes and usually spreads to other parts of the body. It is considered a more aggressive form of MCL. Furthermore, most diagnosed people have this type of MCL.
- Leukaemic non-nodal MCL – In such cases, MCL causes a swollen spleen and lymphoma cells in the bone marrow and blood. It often grows slowly compared to the classical type.
Symptoms
Usually, the symptoms are different among people with MCL because they depend on some factors. These include the type, size, and location of the tumor, overall health, and age. Most of the time, this type of cancer is found in advanced stages because the symptoms it causes are similar to other health conditions. Check some of them below:
- Headaches
- Extreme tiredness (fatigue)
- Indigestion
- Appetite changes
- Fever
- Bruising
- Swollen lymph nodes
- Weakness
- Unexplained weight loss
- Night sweats
If you experience any of the previous symptoms, do not hesitate to visit a doctor for a diagnosis. While it can be a condition that is not related to cancer, rarely, the previous symptoms indicate MCL.
Causes and Risk Factors
This type of cancer, like many others, occurs when specific cells develop DNA changes (mutations). In such cases, the tumor begins to grow in the lymphocytes. Normally, DNA holds instructions that tell cells when to grow, multiply, and die. However, in people with MCL, DNA gives the cells different instructions that make them grow and multiply abnormally. When these abnormal cells become too numerous, they form a mass called a tumor. In people who leave this cancer untreated, the tumor may break and spread to other parts of the body. In such cases, the cancer is called metastatic mantle cell lymphoma. Nowadays, researchers do not fully understand what exactly causes DNA changes, but here is how it works. For example:
- Abnormal B cells produce excessive cyclin D1 (a specific protein that allows B cells to grow)
- Cyclin D1 overloads and makes B cells multiply uncontrollably
- When the abnormal cells are too many, they form a tumor
Furthermore, healthcare professionals have identified some factors that may elevate your risk of developing MCL. Examples include:
- Age – People over 60 years old are more prone to MCL.
- Sex – While it can affect anyone, it mostly appears in men more than women.
- Race – The Caucasian population is at increased risk of developing MCL compared to other races.
- Genetic factors – Doctors have found a gene mutation that causes overproduction of cyclin D1.
- Weakened immune system – The immune system protects your body from bacteria, viruses, and other germs that can make you ill. However, it can become weakened if you have HIV/AIDS or administer immunosuppressants for long periods. As a result, you are more likely to develop multiple health conditions, including MCL.
- Environmental and occupational exposures – Some research suggests that there is a link between prolonged exposure to pesticides, fertilizers, and herbicides and MCL.
- Family history – The risk of developing MCL significantly increases if you have a parent or sibling with this type of cancer.
What Are The Possible Complications of Mantle Cell Lymphoma?
People who develop MCL (especially the classical type) may also experience some complications, especially if the cancer is found in advanced stages. Check some examples below:
- Ruptured spleen
- Tumor lysis syndrome
- Gastrointestinal bleeding
- Organ enlargement or dysfunction (such as the liver)
- Swelling of the lymph nodes in the abdomen or chest
- Treatment complications – These include infections, secondary cancers, viral reactivation (such as hepatitis), organ damage, and others.
The previous list does not contain a complete list of MCL complications. In any case, you can consult with your healthcare professional about ways to reduce the risk or prevent them. Unfortunately, there is no way to prevent MCL because experts do not fully understand why it happens.
Diagnosis
The diagnosis usually begins with a physical examination in which doctors try to find abnormalities linked to the cancer. They may also ask some questions about your symptoms and family history to gather more information about the disease. However, to confirm or rule out MCL, they often perform the following tests and procedures. These include:
- Laboratory tests – These include a complete blood count (CBC), a comprehensive metabolic panel (CMP), and an LDH test or a uric acid level test.
- Imaging tests – The following tests are often performed by doctors to get detailed images of different structures in the body. They can also determine the exact location and size of the tumor. For example, CT (computed tomography) scans, EGD (esophagogastroduodenoscopy), PET (positron emission tomography) scans, and others.
- Biopsy – During this procedure, doctors will take a sample of a lymph node or bone marrow for testing. They will look for cancerous cells.
Once you are diagnosed with MCL, physicians will perform additional imaging tests to determine the extent (stage) of the cancer. It often helps make the best treatment plan for you.
Treatment
Doctors often prescribe different treatments because they depend on several factors. These include the type of cancer, age, existing health problems, gender, and preferences. Check the most common treatments for MCL below:
- Chemotherapy
- Immunotherapy
- Radiation therapy
- Targeted therapy
- Stem cell transplant
Some people may want clinical trials. These are new treatments to destroy specific cancer cells. While they cannot cure the cancer, you may get rid of complications and symptoms and improve your quality of life. However, you should consult with your doctor if you could be a candidate.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is mantle cell lymphoma serious?
Generally, this is a rare type of cancer that develops in the lymphocytes. Most of the time, people develop the classical form of MCL that is aggressive. It means the tumor grows quickly and may spread to the lymphatic system and other parts of the body (such as the bone marrow).
What are the first signs of mantle cell lymphoma?
Mostly, people who develop this type of cancer will notice tumors in the neck. However, they may also experience fever, unexplained weight loss, night sweats, and others. Do not hesitate to visit a doctor if any of the previous symptoms occur.
Can you live 20 years with mantle cell lymphoma?
Approximately 50% of people with MCL live 10 years after diagnosis. However, experts continue to learn more about the treatment and survival rates of MCL. If you have additional questions, ask your healthcare provider.
