ALCL–Anaplastic Large Cell Lymphoma

—is a kind of non-Hodgkin-lymphoma and comes in two forms: a lymphoma that attacks body tissues that fight infections such as the bone marrow or spleen or comes in the form of skin. This disease can occur in all age groups; however, it usually found in children or young adults and attacks more men than women.
At this time there doesn’t appear to be certain risk factors for this disease; however, hair dye, diet, smoking, certain solvents, pesticides and fertilizers are suspected to irritate and possibly bring on symptoms related to this disease. Most importantly, those whose work involves applying pesticides may have a higher risk in getting this disease.

Symptoms of ALCL

Some symptoms of this disease are: a swelling in the neck or groin area or armpits—a swelling that is not painful. A person with this disease may also have no appetite, are tired most of the time, have night sweats, may be losing weight and have a high body temperature.To get an accurate diagnosis of this disease, part or all of an enlarged lymph node has to be removed so that the tissue can be examined and analyzed under a microscope.

ALCL Treatment

In most cases a person with ALCL needs chemotherapy treatment. What makes having ALCL not so threatening is that in most cases it responds well to chemotherapy and in some cases, will go away completely after chemotherapy. ALCL Treatments Should the disease come back after chemo, more chemo will be given to control and manage the growth. In addition, radiotherapy is often used when the lymphoma is in a central location. Radiotherapy is used when the lymphoma is localized because it not only destroys cancer cells but also healthy tissue. Also, steroids can be given in addition to chemotherapy so that the patient can better handle the nausea and tiredness that comes with the treatment. Past experience with this disease and treating it with chemotherapy show that relapses can occur during the treatment but can be managed with chemotherapy.

Another treatment option for ALCL is stem cell treatment—better known as stem cell transplants. Some are treated for this disease by using their own stem cells or use stem cells that come from a donor. Stem cells are a kind of blood cell that has the ability to make all other types of blood cells. This treatment plan is not advisable for anyone and is not done, often. A person’s health and age are evaluated before considering this ALCL treatment plan.