What Is T-Cell Lymphoblastic Lymphoma?

T-cell lymphoblastic lymphoma is a cancer of the blood. Although overall this cancer is rare, according to the University of Florida Shands Cancer Center, it is the most common childhood lymphoma.

What is Lymphoma?

• Lymphoma affects white blood cells called lymphocytes, which are the immune cells that usually protect you from illness. You have two types of lymphocytes: b-cells and t-cells. T-cell lymphoblastic lymphoma affects t-cells.

Symptoms

• According to Macmillan Cancer Support, the first sign of lymphoblastic lymphoma is often a painless swelling in the neck, armpit or groin, caused by enlarged lymph nodes. Other symptoms may include night sweats, unexplained high temperatures and weight loss.

Diagnosis

• Doctor diagnose t-cell lymphoblastic lymphoma using blood work and bone marrow or lymph node biopsies.

Cause

• The cause of lymphoblastic lymphoma is not known.

Treatment

• According to the Shands Cancer Center, depending on a person's age and how far the cancer has progressed, treatments may include radiation, chemotherapy and therapies to help the body's immune system fight the cancer and related infections (such as stem cells) .