Lymphoma is one of the types of cancer that starts in the immune system cells, which are the lymphocytes. In lymphoma, there are two types: Hodgkin’s and non-Hodgkin’s. When we look at non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma, there are two types: T-cell and B-cell lymphoma. Herein, we explain what this form of cancer is and gives an overview of the different types of B-cell lymphoma.

Around 85% of people suffering from non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma would have one of the different types of B-cell lymphoma. In this form of cancer, the body produces too many B-cells. These cells are not capable of fighting infection and spread fast throughout the body.

What happens when one has this disease?
When one has this disease, they are likely to experience symptoms like swelling in the lymph nodes of the neck, armpits and groin, abdominal swelling, night sweats, coughing, chest pain, difficulty breathing, fever, fatigue, and rapid weight loss that is unexplained.

The problem with this disease is that it weakens the immune system. As a result, the patient is susceptible to get infections very fast. It can lead to cancers in other parts of the body. When it is indolent, it does not pose a problem. When it becomes aggressive, it needs to be treated to prevent it from spreading.

Types
Following are the different types of B-cell lymphoma with their short overviews:

• Diffuse large B-cell lymphoma
  This is the most common of all the different types of lymphoma. It affects lymph nodes and is aggressive, but it can be treated.
• Follicular lymphoma
  This is the next common type and affects the lymph nodes. Its growth rate is slower than that of diffuse b-cell lymphoma.
• Primary central nervous lymphoma
  This affects the central nervous system, with the brain or spinal cord being affected. It is a rare type and usually affects older people.
• Primary intraocular lymphoma
  This is a rare type that occurs in the eyeballs. It affects those with a weak immune system or who are elderly.
• Marginal zone b-cell lymphoma
  It starts in the marginal zone, where there are more B-cells.
• Mantle cell lymphoma
  This type affects the GI system, spleen, bone marrow, and lymph nodes.
• Chronic or small lymphocytic lymphoma
  Chronic lymphoma is indolent and affects the spleen, bone marrow, or lymph nodes.
• Burkitt lymphoma
  This is an aggressive lymphoma that grows fast. Children are more likely to be affected by it.
• Hairy cell leukemia
  This affects the blood, spleen, and lymph nodes and is a slow-growing type.
• Waldenstrom’s macroglobulinemia
  It is a rare lymphoma of the bone marrow and spleen, it is a slow-growing type.
• Primary effusion lymphoma
  It is a rare type but is highly aggressive and affects those with a weak immune system.

The overview of the different types of b-cell lymphoma will help one understand more about this disease and its types. The information would be useful in understanding what happens if they get this disease.