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What Is Small-Cell Lymphocytic Lymphoma?
What Is Small-Cell Lymphocytic Lymphoma?
Small-cell lymphocytic lymphoma (SLL) is a type of non-Hodgkin lymphoma, a cancer that starts in cells called lymphocytes, which are part of the body's immune system. SLL affects the lymph nodes, but it can also spread to other parts of the body. It is a slow-growing or 'indolent' lymphoma, which means it tends to grow and spread slowly and causes fewer symptoms. SLL is essentially the same disease as chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL), but it is named differently because of where the cancer primarily occurs in the body.
Types of Small-Cell Lymphocytic Lymphoma
Small-cell lymphocytic lymphoma is not typically divided into subtypes. However, it is part of a larger group of diseases known as non-Hodgkin lymphomas (NHL), which have many different subtypes. SLL is closely related to chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL). The distinction between the two is based on whether the cancer is more present in the bloodstream (CLL) or in the lymph nodes (SLL).
Why do people get Small-Cell Lymphocytic Lymphoma?
The exact cause of small-cell lymphocytic lymphoma is not known. However, certain factors may increase the risk of developing this disease. These include:
Age- SLL is more common in older adults.
Gender- men are slightly more likely to develop SLL than women.
Certain genetic mutations.
Exposure to certain chemicals or radiation.
It's important to note that having one or more risk factors does not mean that a person will definitely develop SLL. Most people with risk factors never develop non-Hodgkin lymphoma, and many people who do develop the disease have no known risk factors.
Who gets Small-Cell Lymphocytic Lymphoma?
The rate of new cases of SLL is 4.4 per 100,000 men and women per year. The death rate is 0.8 per 100,000 men and women per year. The median age of diagnosis is 69 years old. The 5 year survival rate continues to gradually increase.
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