What is B-cell lymphoma?

What is B-cell lymphoma?

B-cell lymphoma refers to a group of cancers that affect your immune system. B-cell lymphoma makes up 85% of all non-Hodgkin lymphomas, which are among the most common cancers in the United States.

B-cell lymphoma frequently affects your lymphatic system, which is a network of lymph nodes, lymph vessels and tissues that move fluid around your body. Lymph is one of the fluids your lymphatic system carries through your body. Lymph contains white blood cells called lymphocytes. B-cells, or B-lymphocytes, make antibodies that fight infection. Normally, healthy B-cells die to make room for more B-cells.

B-cell lymphoma happens when healthy B-cells change into fast-growing cancer cells that don’t die. The cancer cells duplicate, eventually overwhelming healthy cells. The cancer cells can also spread to other areas of your body including the bone marrow, spleen or other organs.

B-cell lymphoma survival rates continue to improve as researchers identify more effective treatments. Approximately 65% of people diagnosed with the most common form of B-cell lymphoma are alive five years after diagnosis and considered cured.