The different types of t-cell lymphoma cover a wide range of severity and are universally uncommon. Most are only diagnosed after they’ve already had time to advance, but treatment is still available and may be very effective. The types of t-cell lymphoma vary in how they affect the body and who is most likely to develop them.  Read below to learn more about the types of t-cell lymphoma, their unique characteristics, and the ways they affect those who develop them.

T-Cell Lymphoma Definition

T-cell lymphoma is cancer that develops in lymphoid tissues. This includes the lymph nodes and spleen as well as other non-lymphoid tissue such as the liver, nasal cavity, skin, and others. The different types of t-cell lymphoma account for roughly 7 percent of non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma (NHL) in the U.S., according to the Lymphoma Research Foundation.

Each of the types of t-cell lymphoma are incredibly rare. They may develop quickly or slowly depending on the type in question.

What Are the Types of T-Cell Lymphoma?

According to the Lymphoma Research Foundation, the types of t-cell lymphoma range broadly in how common they are. The most common type is known as peripheral t-cell lymphoma, not otherwise specified (PTCL-NOS). These are the types of t-cell lymphoma that don’t fit into any other category of t-cell lymphoma subtypes. PTCL-NOSs account for nearly 20 percent of all t-cell lymphomas. These cancers may be found in the lymph nodes, liver, bone marrow, gastrointestinal tract, and elsewhere.

The next most common of the types of t-cell lymphoma is anaplastic large cell lymphoma (ALCL). ALCLs can either be systemic, affecting the entire body, or cutaneous, limited to the skin. This type accounts for 11 percent of all t-cell lymphomas and is known for its rapid progression. Cutaneous ALCL has a high rate of treat-ability, but other types may be significantly harder to combat.

The next most common type of t-cell lymphoma is angioimmunoblastic t-cell lymphoma (AITL). This is one of the more aggressive types of t-cell lymphoma, but it is also very rare. AITLs account for seven percent of all t-cell lymphomas in the U.S. and is commonly diagnosed at an advanced state in middle-aged to elderly people.

Cutaneous T-cell lymphoma (CTCL) is the next most common accounting for roughly three percent of all t-cell lymphomas in the country. CTCL is most commonly found in adults and may appear as a rash, skin patches, or lesions. CTCL is commonly misdiagnosed as eczema due to the similarity of presentation.

Lastly, there are two other types of t-cell lymphoma that are even more rare. Adult t-cell leukemia/lymphoma (ATLL) is an aggressive form of the cancer which is often found in the blood, lymph nodes, or skin. It may also appear in multiple locations at once. Lymphoblastic lymphoma, on the other hand, is most commonly found in young adults or adolescents and may appear as tumors in the chest.

What Are the Stages of T-Cell Lymphoma?

The stages of the cancer development depends on which of the different types of t-cell lymphoma the patient has. The most common type, PTCL-NOSs, develop quickly and tend to be widespread affecting lymphoid and non-lymphoid tissue.

The next most common type, ALCL, comes in several different subtypes which may begin in the skin, lymph nodes, or breast tissue of women who have received breast implants. ALCLs are also incredibly fast-growing, but treatment is often effective.

AITLs, meanwhile, usually affect the lymph nodes and bone marrow as well as the spleen or liver. This lymphoma also reacts well to treatment but has a tendency to recur. Cutaneous lymphomas, CTCL, unsurprisingly begin in the skin, while ATLL is usually precluded by a virus called HTLV-1.

How is T-Cell Lymphoma Diagnosed?

In many cases, t-cell lymphoma is not discovered until it is already at an advanced stage. Due to their rarity, they can often be difficult for your doctor to diagnose. You may need to see a t-cell lymphoma specialist before a conclusion can be reached. According to Lymphoma Action, most types of t-cell lymphoma are diagnosed using a biopsy. This means that a sample of the affected tissue is taken and tested by a pathologist. You may also need to undergo a blood test in order to rule out the development of certain infections during treatment.

There are also tests that are meant to determine which areas of the body have been affected. This process is called staging and often involves a PET or CT scan. Determining which of the many types of t-cell lymphoma you have as well as where it is located may take several weeks.

What is the T-Cell Lymphoma Survival Rate?

Unfortunately, the majority of t-cell lymphoma diagnoses occur after the lymphoma is already significantly advanced. However, this doesn’t mean that the cancer can’t be treated. Your overall health and the exact type of lymphoma you have may both play a large role in determining the efficacy of any treatment.

Lymphoma Action reports that determining the outlook of your diagnoses by looking at survival statistics can be misleading. Treatments are continuously improving, and you may be healthier than those who make up the statistics.

That being said, The American Cancer Society places the five-year survival rate of non-Hodgkin’s lymphomas at 70 percent. This number is likely to vary widely depending on the type and stage of the lymphoma involved.

Join a Roundup Weed Killer Cancer Class Action Lawsuit Investigation

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• Non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma
• B-cell lymphoma
• T-cell lymphoma
• Chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL)
• Hairy cell lymphoma

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This article is not legal advice. It is presented
for informational purposes only.