What is Follicular Lymphoma?

Follicular lymphoma is a type of blood cancer that is part of a group of diseases called non-Hodgkin lymphomas (you can also see it as non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma or NHL). These cancers affect the lymphatic system, a part of the body's immune system. Specifically, follicular lymphoma affects B-lymphocytes, which are a type of white blood cell.

The disease is called "follicular" lymphoma because the abnormal lymphocytes often collect in lymph nodes in clusters known as "follicles". Follicular lymphoma is usually a slow-growing or indolent lymphoma, but sometimes it can change into a faster-growing lymphoma.

How Common is Follicular Lymphoma?

Follicular lymphoma is one of the most common subtypes of non-Hodgkin lymphoma. In 2024, it is anticipated that 20% of the 80,620 diagnosed cases of non-Hodgkin lymphoma in the US will be follicular lymphomas.

Rates of follicular lymphoma are highest in non-Hispanic white males. The average age of diagnosis is 64 years old.

What are the Risk Factors for Developing Follicular Lymphoma?

The exact cause of follicular lymphoma is not known. However, certain factors are believed to increase the risk of developing this disease. These include:

Age: Follicular lymphoma is more common in older adults, with most people diagnosed in their 60s.
Immune system disorders: Conditions that weaken the immune system, such as HIV/AIDS, can increase the risk.
Exposure to certain chemicals: Certain pesticides and herbicides have been linked to an increased risk of follicular lymphoma.
Family history: Having a close relative with follicular lymphoma may increase the risk, although the overall risk is still low as follicular lymphoma is not a common disease. In one study, a family history of non-Hodgkin lymphoma was associated with a 1.99-fold increased risk of follicular lymphoma.

It's important to note that having one or more risk factors does not mean that a person will definitely develop follicular lymphoma. Many people with these risk factors never develop the disease, and some individuals who do develop follicular lymphoma have no known risk factors.

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