What Complications Are Common as Follicular Lymphoma Progresses?

Follicular lymphoma comprises almost 30% of all non-Hodgkin lymphomas (NHL). It originates in the lymphatic system and often grows or progresses slowly, but it can cause several complications that impact overall health. 

Follicular lymphoma can also transform into a more aggressive type of lymphoma, such as diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL). This leads to more rapid disease progression and needs more intensive treatment.

Complications from lymphoma progression can cause diverse symptoms and can be identified by healthcare professionals based on labwork, physical examination, and directed questioning. 

What Complications Are Caused When Lymphoma Invades the Bone Marrow? 

Follicular lymphoma cells can infiltrate the bone marrow, leaving less space for healthy blood cell production. This can cause:

• Anemia: Low red blood cell count, leading to fatigue and weakness.
• Leukopenia: Low white blood cell count, increasing the risk of infections.
• Thrombocytopenia: Low platelet count, leading to easy bruising and bleeding.

Can Follicular Lymphoma Increase My Risk of Being Sick From Infections? 

Yes, since follicular lymphoma is a type of cancer that affects the immune system, patients are more susceptible to infections. In addition, undergoing treatments like chemotherapy and immunotherapy, can weaken the immune system, making it harder to fight off infections.

Can Lymphoma Cells Affect Other Parts of the Body? 

Yes, sometimes follicular lymphoma cells can spread to the internal organs because they can exit the lymphatic circulation, causing different symptoms depending on the affected organ:

• Lymph nodes: Depending on their location, enlarged lymph nodes (lymphadenopathy) can cause discomfort and pain. For example, enlarged nodes in the chest can lead to breathing difficulties, while those in the abdomen can cause pain and swelling.
• Spleen: Enlargement of the spleen (splenomegaly) can cause pain and a feeling of fullness. Some medications can help to reduce the spleen size, but there is the possibility that depending on how affected the spleen is, it would need to be removed. 
• Liver: An enlarged liver (hepatomegaly) can lead to liver dysfunction. This usually shows up in liver function tests performed after a blood analysis. If the liver has been affected, visible symptoms can include a yellowish tint in the skin (jaundice). 
• Gastrointestinal Tract: if affected by lymphoma cells, it can present abdominal pain, nausea, and gastrointestinal bleeding.
• Central Nervous System: Though rare, involvement can lead to neurological symptoms like headaches, seizures, and cognitive changes. 

Can I Have Other Cancers If I’m Diagnosed With Follicular Lymphoma? 

Yes, patients with follicular lymphoma are at an increased risk of developing secondary cancers due to the long-term immune system suppressive effects of treatments and the disease itself. These can include other types of lymphomas or solid tumors.

How Can Follicular Lymphoma Impact My Lifestyle? 

Living with a chronic illness like follicular lymphoma can lead to significant psychological and social challenges, this is why building a community, being a self-advocate, and keeping yourself informed and aware of your disease can help to empower yourself. Patients with similar conditions shared the following challenges:

• Anxiety and Depression: The stress of ongoing treatments, monitoring, and uncertainty about the disease progression can cause mental health issues.
• Fatigue: Chronic fatigue is a common complication in lymphoma patients, resulting from the disease itself, treatment side effects, and anemia. This persistent tiredness can significantly impact daily activities and overall well-being.
• Quality of Life: Physical symptoms, treatment side effects, and emotional stress can significantly reduce the overall quality of life.

Find additional resources at Healthtree for Follicular Lymphoma to help you navigate these. For example, you can read our article on Mindfulness Lymphoma Patients or learn from other patient’s experiences, like Nicky Greenhalgh, who shared her story with us.

Can Lymphoma Affect My Nutrition? 

If the gastrointestinal system is affected or side effects of treatments like nausea and vomiting interfere with your regular diet, you may experience poor nutritional intake, leading to deficiencies and weight loss. 

There are ways to eat a nutrient-rich diet to avoid this complication, we have a comprehensive article here. 

Understanding follicular lymphoma complications is crucial for tracking your health and improving your quality of life.

You can actively participate in self-advocacy by staying informed about updates on follicular lymphoma with our biweekly newsletter!

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Source: 

• https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK538206/