Understanding Follicular Lymphoma (Part 1) with Dr. Samuel Yamshon

If you've recently been diagnosed with follicular lymphoma, you're likely grappling with a flurry of emotions and questions about what comes next. Understanding the management of this condition is crucial for making informed decisions about your health.

On April 3rd, 2024, Dr. Samuel Yamshon from Weill Cornell, along with two other lymphoma specialists, joined HealthTree in a virtual roundtable to discuss the basics of follicular lymphoma. You can watch Dr. Yamshon’s recording or read the summary.

Dr. Yamshon gave a basic description of follicular lymphoma, the causes and risk factors, as well as symptoms. Below are some key points from his presentation:

• Our bodies are like an army, always ready to fight invaders like viruses, bacteria, or even cancers. But sometimes, the signals telling our immune cells when to stop fighting get mixed up.
• Follicular lymphoma happens when certain immune cells, called B cells, don't get the message to stop growing. These cells usually grow slowly in our lymph nodes, like command centers for our immune system. But when they don't stop growing, they can form a lymphoma.
• Most people with follicular lymphoma don't notice any symptoms at first. Sometimes, it's only discovered during a routine checkup or scan for something else. Others might notice a swollen lymph node or a small bump that slowly grows over time.
• Age is a significant risk factor. The older we get, the higher the chance of developing lymphoma. Some chemical exposures, like benzene or certain herbicides, may also increase the risk. Family history can play a role, but it needs to be clarified how much genetics versus environment contributes.
• Military exposures, like Agent Orange or burn pits, are also being studied as potential risk factors. Radiation exposure and autoimmune disorders, like Sjogren's syndrome, may also raise the risk.
• When follicular lymphoma does cause symptoms, they often depend on where the affected lymph nodes are. Discomfort or swelling might occur in different parts of the body. As the lymphoma grows, symptoms like fevers, night sweats, weight loss, and fatigue can develop.
• If you notice any unusual symptoms or have concerns about your health, it's essential to talk to your doctor. Understanding the signs and risk factors can help catch lymphoma early and improve outcomes.

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