They should also feel the abdomen to see if the spleen and/or liver are enlarged.ĭifferent diagnostic tests may reveal that a patient has diffuse large B-cell lymphoma, including: You should also describe your symptoms, letting the doctor know how long you have noticed a swollen lymph node or other mass, how long you’ve experienced fatigue, when you began losing weight unintentionally, and how much you have lost, if applicable.ĭuring a physical exam, doctors should examine your head, neck, armpits, abdomen, and groin to see if any lymph nodes feel swollen. If you have an autoimmune disease or are living with HIV, tell the doctor. When you share your medical history with the doctor, let them know if there’s a personal or family history of lymphoma or if you have had chemotherapy or radiation therapy treatments for another type of cancer. Ultimately, a biopsy of the involved site is required to make a lymphoma diagnosis and help further classify the lymphoma subtype. For example, germinal center B-cell subtype, activated B-cell subtype, and primary mediastinal B-cell lymphoma have unique presentations and may respond differently to the growing number of treatment options.ĭoctors can diagnose diffuse large B-cell lymphoma after learning about a patient’s medical history, performing a physical exam, or obtaining diagnostic studies (blood work and/or imaging) that raise concern for possible lymphoma. There is increasing recognition that diffuse large B cell lymphoma is a diverse condition likely made up of several lymphoma subtypes. Diffuse large B-cell lymphoma may also grow inside organs-including the stomach, liver, intestines, bone marrow, kidney and/or the skin. People with diffuse large B-cell lymphoma may notice that their lymph nodes feel swollen or have noticeable masses in areas with lymph nodes, such as in the neck, under the arms, or groin. One or more lymph nodes-and other body parts-may be affected. These overly large B cells multiply more rapidly, leading to swollen or enlarged lymph nodes. The cells don’t respond to the body’s instructions to keep them a certain size, so they grow bigger than usual. When a person has diffuse large B-cell lymphoma, their B cells develop abnormally. T cells are important in establishing and maintaining immune responses, while B cells create antibodies that help prevent and manage infections. There are two main types of lymphocytes: B cells and T cells, both of which are part of the immune system. It spreads through the body in the bloodstream, often allowing the condition to advance without being detected. This type of lymphoma develops within white blood cells, known as lymphocytes. It typically occurs in older adults, although it may be diagnosed at any age, even during childhood. Diffuse large B-cell lymphoma is an aggressive type of cancer that often responds well to treatment.