Relapsed Primary Mediastinal Large B-Cell Lymphoma
What Is Relapsed Primary Mediastinal Large B-Cell Lymphoma?
Relapsed primary mediastinal large B-cell lymphoma is a type of non-Hodgkin lymphoma, a cancer that affects the white blood cells and the lymph system. It is a rare kind of lymphoma, accounting for only 2-4% of all non-Hodgkin lymphomas, and usually affects adults between the ages of 16 and 60.
Relapsed primary mediastinal large B-cell lymphoma starts in cells in the mediastinum, the space between the lungs. These cells can grow into tumors and spread to other parts of the body if left untreated. Symptoms include weight loss, fever, chest pain, and night sweats. Treatment generally includes aggressive chemotherapy, combined with radiation and/or stem cell transplant.
Diagnosis and Treatment of Relapsed Primary Mediastinal Large B-Cell Lymphoma
To diagnose relapsed primary mediastinal large B-cell lymphoma, your doctor will do physical exam and take a complete medical history, as well as order imaging tests like a computerized tomography (CT) scan, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan, or positron emission topography (PET) scan.
If the diagnosis is confirmed, the standard treatment is to use chemotherapy, radiation, and stem cell transplant. The type of chemo used for relapsed primary mediastinal large B-cell lymphoma is called CHOP-R (cyclophosphamide, doxorubicin, vincristine, prednisone, and rituximab). This type of chemo is usually quite effective, and it also helps to reduce the risk of the cancer coming back.
Radiation therapy is another form of treatment of recurrence of relapsed primary mediastinal large B-cell lymphoma. This is an important part of your treatment because it helps to prevent the cancer cells from spreading, as well as to help reduce the size of the tumor and stop it from growing further. Stem cell transplants involve removing healthy stem cells from the bone marrow or a donor and transplanting them into the patient's body. This is usually done after the cancer has been reduced to a manageable size via chemotherapy and radiation.
Prognosis of Relapsed Primary Mediastinal Large B-Cell Lymphoma
The prognosis for those with relapsed primary mediastinal large B-cell lymphoma is largely dependent on the stage of the cancer when it is first diagnosed. With early stages of the disease, the 5-year survival rate is around 85%. However, in later stages, the 5-year survival rate drops to around 50%.
It is important to note, however, that treatment for relapsed primary mediastinal large B-cell lymphoma has improved significantly over the years, and many patients make a full recovery with the right combination of therapies. In order to ensure the best possible outcome, it is important to seek timely medical attention and to follow your doctor's instructions carefully.
Living with Relapsed Primary Mediastinal Large B-Cell Lymphoma
Living with relapsed primary mediastinal large B-cell lymphoma can be a challenge, but there are many things that you can do to manage the disease and maintain a good quality of life. These include:
- Making healthy lifestyle changes – incorporating exercise, healthy eating, and stress-reduction techniques into your daily routine can help reduce fatigue and improve overall wellbeing
- Maintaining a consistent treatment plan – the chemotherapy and/or radiation therapy that you receive can be a long and difficult process, but it’s important to stay on track in order to keep the cancer under control
- Finding a support system – attending support groups for those affected by cancer can be a great way to make connections and find comfort and support during this difficult time
- Making modifications to your home – taking time to make your home safer and more comfortable can help improve your quality of life during your treatment and recovery
