Rep. Jamie Raskin cancer diagnosis: What is diffuse large-B cell lymphoma?

Rep. Jamie Raskin on Wednesday announced that he has been diagnosed with a type of lymphoma.

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Raskin, D-Maryland, said in a statement that “After several days of tests, I have been diagnosed with Diffuse Large B Cell Lymphoma, which is a serious but curable form of cancer.

“I am about to embark on a course of chemo-immunotherapy on an outpatient basis at Med Star Georgetown University Hospital and Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center. Prognosis for most people in my situation is excellent after four months of treatment.”

What is diffuse large-B cell lymphoma, how is it treated and what are the symptoms? Here’s what we know about the disease.

What is diffuse large-B cell lymphoma?

Diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) is cancer that starts in the body’s white blood cells.

According to WebMD, DLBCL usually grows in lymph nodes, the small glands in your neck, groin, armpits, and elsewhere that are part of your immune system.

DLBCL is the most common non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma, which is one of two types of lymphoma. The other type is Hodgkin’s lymphoma.

Who is most likely to develop DLBCL?

There is no known cause of DLBCL, but it seems to show up in men more than women, those over age 60, and those who are not Asian or Black.

Infection with certain viruses and bacteria appears to increase the risk of non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma, according to the Mayo Clinic. Viruses linked to this type of cancer include HIV and Epstein-Barr infection. Bacteria linked to non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma include the ulcer-causing Helicobacter pylori.

What are the symptoms?

The first sign of DLBCL is often a lump in your groin, armpit, or neck.

The lump is generally not painful, but it is likely to grow quickly.

According to WebMD, doctors will see DLBCL in areas like the stomach or bowel in about 40% of people with the cancer.

Other symptoms that may those with DLBCL may experience:

Fever

Drenching night sweats

Weight loss

Belly or chest pain or pressure

Shortness of breath or cough

Itching

What is the prognosis?

While the disease can grow fast, 75% of people with DLBCL are disease-free after treatment, and about half are cured, according to the Lymphoma Research Foundation

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