Indolent lymphoma

Cutaneous T-cell lymphoma - very high mag

Indolent lymphoma refers to a group of lymphomas, which are types of cancer that originate from the lymphocytes (a type of white blood cell) in the immune system. These lymphomas are characterized by their slow-growing nature, often presenting with few symptoms in the early stages. Indolent lymphomas are a subset of non-Hodgkin lymphomas (NHL) and contrast with the more aggressive forms of lymphoma, which require immediate treatment.

Types of Indolent Lymphoma[edit | edit source]

Several types of lymphoma fall under the category of indolent lymphoma, including but not limited to:

Follicular lymphoma: The most common type of indolent lymphoma, originating from B lymphocytes.
Marginal zone lymphoma: Includes extranodal marginal zone B-cell lymphoma (also known as MALT lymphoma), nodal marginal zone lymphoma, and splenic marginal zone lymphoma.
Small lymphocytic lymphoma (SLL): Closely related to chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL), SLL affects the B lymphocytes but is primarily found in the lymph nodes.
Lymphoplasmacytic lymphoma: A rare type of lymphoma that produces an excessive amount of a protein called monoclonal immunoglobulin M (IgM), leading to the condition known as Waldenström's macroglobulinemia.

Symptoms[edit | edit source]

The symptoms of indolent lymphoma are often subtle and can include:

Swollen, painless lymph nodes in the neck, armpits, or groin
Fatigue
Fever
Night sweats
Unexplained weight loss

Diagnosis[edit | edit source]

Diagnosis of indolent lymphoma typically involves a combination of:

Physical examination
Blood tests
Imaging tests, such as Computed tomography (CT) scan or Positron emission tomography (PET) scan
Biopsy of the affected lymph node

Treatment[edit | edit source]

Treatment for indolent lymphoma varies depending on the stage and symptoms of the disease. In some cases, immediate treatment may not be necessary, and a watchful waiting approach is adopted. When treatment is required, options may include:

Chemotherapy
Radiation therapy
Immunotherapy
Targeted therapy drugs

Prognosis[edit | edit source]

The prognosis for indolent lymphoma patients can vary widely. Many individuals live with the disease for many years due to its slow-growing nature. Treatment advancements have significantly improved the outlook for many patients, although the disease is generally considered incurable with current therapies.