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T-Cell Lymphoma Overview
T-cell lymphoma is a type of non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL) cancer that affects T lymphocytes. There are several types of this subset of cancer, but even all together they are fairly rare, accounting for less than 15 percent of non-Hodgkin lymphoma cases in the United States.
These types of lymphomas include T-lymphoblastic lymphoma/leukemia, which is a rare lymphoma most common in teens and young adults, especially young men. The other types of t-cell lymphoma fall under the general umbrella of peripheral t-cell lymphoma, including:
- Cutaneous (mycosis fungoides, Sezary syndrome, and more)
- Adult T-cell leukemia/lymphoma (smoldering, chronic, acute, and lymphoma)
- Angioimmunoblastic
- Extranodal natural killer/nasal type
- Enteropathy-associated intestinal
- Anaplastic large cell lymphoma, or ALCL (primary cutaneous, systemic, or breast implant-associated)
- Peripheral T-cell lymphoma, not otherwise specified (PTCL, NOS)
What Are the Symptoms of T-Cell Lymphoma?
Different types of T-cell lymphomas are associated with different symptoms. The most common symptom of this kind of cancer is a swollen lymph node or nodes. However, lymphomas that form outside the lymph nodes may cause symptoms like a swollen liver or spleen, skin rash, or abnormal blood counts, depending on where the lymphoma is forming.
For instance, cutaneous T-cell lymphoma (CTCL) often displays itself with symptoms like round patches of potentially itchy raised or scaly skin, patches of lighter skin, lumps forming on the skin or even breaking open, enlarged lymph nodes, hair loss, or a rash-like redness all over the skin accompanied by intense itching.
So-called “B symptoms” of these cancers include fevers, night sweats, and unexplained weight loss.
What Are the Causes of T-Cell Lymphoma?
While the causes of cutaneous T-cell lymphoma specifically are not known at this time, cancer in generally begins when cells’ DNA starts to mutate and then multiply, creating a growing number of abnormal cells. In a healthy body, the T-cells’ job is to help your body fight off germs. But cancerous T-cells begin attacking the body instead. In the case of CTCL, these abnormal cells begin to attack the skin.
What Is the Treatment?
Because of all of the different potential types of lymphomas that target the T-cells, there are also a variety of treatment options. The most standard treatment include:
- Chemotherapy
- Immunotherapy (like antibody drug conjugates) radiation
- Stem cell transplantation
- Surgery
For slow-growing T-cell lymphomas that start in the skin (cutaneous T-cell lymphomas), which make up about five percent of all lymphomas, treatments may be topical, or include ultraviolet light therapy or electron beam therapy.
Patients with rare forms of lymphoma may also be able to seek out new promising therapies or even clinical trials with the assistance and guidance of their medical team.
A number of different kinds of treatment for the cancer are currently being investigated.
Is T-Cell Lymphoma Curable?
Different subtypes of this kind of cancer in turn have different prognoses, and some are more curable than others. Those that have a higher remission rate may in some cases require intensive (and expensive) therapies or even surgery.
ALCL, for instance, can respond well to treatment and is potentially curable. Adult T-cell Leukemia/Lymphoma is rare and aggressive, and generally requires stem cell transplantation to be curable. Lymphoblastic lymphoma, by contrast, has a high remission rate after intensive chemotherapy.
Lawsuits and Litigation
More and more people are coming forward with allegations that their cancers, including T-cell lymphomas, were caused by exposure to Roundup weedkiller. According to lawsuits, Roundup’s manufacturer, Monsanto (now owned by Bayer), knew about the alleged cancer risks linked with glyphosate, the popular weedkiller’s active ingredient, yet failed to warn the public about these risks, placing company profit over people’s safety.
If you or someone you love has been diagnosed with a non-Hodgkin lymphoma, including these T-cell subtypes, after exposure to Roundup, you may be able to file a lawsuit and pursue compensation. Filing a lawsuit cannot take away the pain and suffering caused by a cancer diagnosis, nor can it bring a loved one back to life, but it can at least help to alleviate the financial burden incurred by medical expenses, lost wages, and more.
Filing a lawsuit can be a daunting prospect, so Top Class Actions has laid the groundwork for you by connecting you with an experienced attorney. Consulting an attorney can help you determine if you have a claim, navigate the complexities of litigation, and maximize your potential compensation.
