What Is T-Cell Lymphoma?

T-cell lymphoma is a type of cancer that begins in T cells. The disease occurs when T cells, a type of white blood cell, become abnormal and start to grow uncontrollably. These abnormal cells can then spread to almost any part of the body, including the lymph nodes, bone marrow, skin, spleen, liver, and more. T-cell lymphomas are a part of a larger group of cancers known as non-Hodgkin lymphomas (NHL).

Types of T-Cell Lymphoma

There are several types of T-cell lymphoma, each with its own unique characteristics and behaviors. Some of the most common types include:

• Peripheral T-cell lymphomas (PTCL): This is a group of aggressive lymphomas that develop from mature T cells and can affect any area of the body.
• Cutaneous T-cell lymphomas (CTCL): These are lymphomas that primarily affect the skin. The most common types are mycosis fungoides and Sézary syndrome.
• Anaplastic large cell lymphoma (ALCL): This is a type of lymphoma that can either be systemic (affecting many parts of the body) or cutaneous (affecting the skin).
• Angioimmunoblastic T-cell lymphoma (AITL): This is a rare type of lymphoma that often involves the lymph nodes, spleen, liver, and skin.

Why do people get T-Cell Lymphoma?

The exact cause of T-cell lymphoma is not known. However, certain factors may increase the risk of developing this disease. These include:

• Age: The risk of developing T-cell lymphoma increases with age, with most cases occurring in people over the age of 60.
• Gender: Men are more likely than women to develop certain types of T-cell lymphoma.
• Immune system disorders: People with disorders that weaken the immune system, such as HIV/AIDS, are at an increased risk.
• Exposure to certain chemicals: Exposure to certain chemicals, such as pesticides and solvents, may increase the risk of developing T-cell lymphoma.
• Viral infections: Certain viral infections, such as the Epstein-Barr virus and human T-lymphotropic virus (HTLV-1), have been associated with an increased risk of certain types of T-cell lymphoma.

It's important to note that having one or more of these risk factors does not mean that a person will definitely develop T-cell lymphoma. Many people with these risk factors never develop the disease, and many people who do develop T-cell lymphoma have none of these risk factors.

Who gets T-Cell Lymphoma?

T-cell lymphomas consist of a wide variety of uncommon diseases that can be indolent (characterized by a long disease course and are generally resistant to standard chemotherapy) or aggressive (usually has an acute presentation and rapid progression) and consists of 12% of all Non-Hodgkin Lymphomas (NHL). 

Want to Learn More About T-Cell Lymphoma?

Keep reading HealthTree for T-Cell Lymphoma's 101 pages!

• How Is T-Cell Lymphoma Diagnosed?
• How Long Will I Live With T-Cell Lymphoma?
• What Are The Signs And Symptoms Of T-Cell Lymphoma?
• How Is T-Cell Lymphoma Staged And Classified?
• What Are Treatments For T-Cell Lymphoma?