B-cell lymphomas are a group of non-Hodgkin lymphomas. You can have a type of this condition for years before developing symptoms. When you do, they may include drenching night sweats, fatigue and swollen lymph nodes. Treatments can put some types of B-cell lymphoma into long-term remission that cures them. But the condition can come back (recur).
B-cell lymphoma is a type of blood cancer in your lymphatic system. In B-cell lymphoma, abnormal lymphocytes (a type of white blood cell) multiply to form tumors. Your lymphatic system is a large network of organs, vessels and tissues, so B-cell lymphoma can develop in many places in your body and cause different symptoms.
B-cell lymphoma is a common type of non-Hodgkin lymphoma. There are many B-cell lymphoma types, but most cause the same symptoms: swollen lymph nodes, fatigue and drenching night sweats.
Often, treatment cures some types of B-cell lymphoma. And there are treatments that put the conditions into remission so you don’t have symptoms and tests don’t find signs of cancer. But the conditions can come back (recur).
When your provider talks about your condition, they may use terms like “aggressive” or “indolent” to describe it:
Aggressive B-cell lymphomas can develop in several areas of your body. Examples include:
You can have a type of indolent B-cell lymphoma for months and years before you develop symptoms. Common types include:
B-cell lymphoma accounts for 85% of all non-Hodgkin lymphoma. The American Cancer Society estimates 80,600 people will receive a non-Hodgkin lymphoma diagnosis in 2024. By comparison, in 2024, more than 2 million people will learn they have some type of cancer.
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You can have a type of B-cell lymphoma without having symptoms. For example, people with follicular lymphoma often receive a diagnosis while receiving treatment or tests for an unrelated condition. Symptoms that may be related to B-cell lymphoma include:
B-cell lymphoma may cause symptoms that look and feel a lot like less serious medical issues. For example, swollen lymph nodes are a common B-cell lymphoma symptom. But they’re also a common symptom of colds and flu.
Having one or more of these symptoms doesn’t mean you have a type of B-cell lymphoma. But you should talk to a healthcare provider if you have symptoms that don’t go away or get worse.
Your B cells protect your body from invaders like bacteria, viruses and cancerous cells. Normally, your body produces new B cells as needed and the cells die once they’ve done their job.
In B-cell lymphoma, normal B cells change (mutate), turning into abnormal cells that multiply uncontrollably, don’t die and can spread from where they started to other areas of your body.
The condition typically happens because there are accidental (sporadic) changes in your B cells as they replicate themselves. Research suggests that sometimes, there’s a connection between B-cell lymphomas and the following issues:
A healthcare provider will ask about your symptoms and your medical history. They’ll do a physical examination that may focus on your lymph nodes, liver and spleen. They may refer you to a hematologist-oncologist, a provider who specializes in diagnosing and treating blood cancer. Your specialist may order blood tests, imaging tests and biopsies to diagnose your condition.
Blood tests for cancer give your healthcare provider a view of your overall health. Specific tests may include:
Your provider may order the following imaging tests to look for signs of lymphoma in your lymph nodes, liver or spleen:
A biopsy to obtain lymph node tissue is the only way your provider can confirm you have B-cell lymphoma. A medical pathologist will examine lymph node tissue samples to identify the lymphoma type. Biopsies may include:
There’s no single treatment for B-cell lymphoma. If you have this condition, your treatment will depend on factors like the type, your overall health and if tests detect the condition before it spreads.
Your hematologist oncologist will recommend treatments that do the most to eliminate cancerous tumors while causing the fewest side effects. You may receive one or more of the following treatments:
Each treatment may cause different side effects. And people often react differently to any given treatment. Your healthcare provider will select treatments that do the most to eliminate cancerous cells with the fewest side effects. Although cancer treatments are different, they do have some common side effects. Common side effects may include:
Talk to your healthcare provider about each treatment option and potential side effects. Understanding how your treatment might affect you can help you feel more confident about managing side effects.
Regardless of the kind of treatment that you receive, also ask your provider about palliative care. Palliative care is a specialized treatment to help you manage B-cell lymphoma symptoms and treatment side effects.
There are many different types of B-cell lymphoma, so what you can expect depends on your situation and factors like the type of lymphoma, how well your body responded to treatment and your overall health. Your provider is your best resource for information on what to expect.
Survival rates vary widely depending on the type of lymphoma. For example, according to data from the National Cancer Institute (U.S.), 64.6% of people with diffuse large B-cell lymphoma are alive five years after diagnosis. On the other hand, data show 90% of people with follicular lymphoma are alive five years after diagnosis.
If you’re receiving treatment for a type of B-cell lymphoma, ask your provider to explain survival rate information for your situation, including whether a survival rate can predict how long you’ll live. And try to keep in mind that any survival rate is an estimate based on the experiences of other people. What was true for them may not be true for you.
B-cell lymphoma can be a life-changing diagnosis. You may feel overwhelmed as you try to take in information about your condition and treatment while trying to keep up with your daily life. Here are some suggestions that may help you:
You’ll see your hematologist-oncologist and other care team members throughout your treatment. They’ll manage your treatment and monitor your overall health. When you finish treatment, your provider may recommend a schedule of regular follow-up appointments so they can watch for signs that B-cell lymphoma is coming back.
Many cancer treatments affect your immune system, increasing the chance you’ll develop infections that can cause high fevers. Go to the emergency room if you have a fever that stays above 100.4 degrees Fahrenheit (38 degrees Celsius).
You may also have unusually strong side effects from your cancer treatment. While your healthcare provider likely gave you medication to help manage side effects, you should go to the emergency room if they continue despite medication.
B-cell lymphoma is an uncommon kind of blood cancer. It doesn’t always cause symptoms, but when it does, your symptoms may look like everyday issues like itchy skin or swollen lymph nodes. It can be a shock to learn that what you thought was a symptom of a common illness issue is cancer. You might need some time to work through your emotions. When you’re ready, your healthcare providers will be there to help you understand your diagnosis and your treatment options. Understanding your illness can help you feel more confident about your next steps.
Last reviewed by a Cleveland Clinic medical professional on 03/15/2024.
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