Understanding your diagnosis
Diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) develops when a type of white blood cell, called a B cell, grows abnormally.
Your blood contains 2 major types of cells: red and white blood cells. B cells are white blood cells that protect your body from infection and disease.
In DLBCL, some B cells become cancerous when changes cause them to grow and multiply uncontrollably or survive for longer than usual.
Healthy B cells grow, divide, and die as they become old or damaged.
In DLBCL, B cells either grow and multiply uncontrollably or survive for longer than usual.
Signs and symptoms
DLBCL can develop in the lymph nodes (structures that are part of the body’s immune system) or in other parts of the body, such as the gastrointestinal tract, testes, thyroid, skin, breast, bone, and brain.
DLBCL signs and symptoms can include:
A lump*
Night
sweats
Fevers
Unexplained
weight loss
Fatigue
*swollen or enlarged lymph nodes in the neck, armpits, abdomen, or groin
Risk factors
DLBCL is an aggressive (fast-growing) blood cancer. Although it can occur at any age, its incidence increases with age. Most people are first diagnosed between the ages of 65 and 74.
DLBCL affects both men and women but is slightly more common in men. The exact cause of DLBCL is unknown.
Talk with your doctor to learn more about your specific diagnosis and risk factors.
DLBCL is the most common form of non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma (NHL), a diverse group of blood cancers that affect different types of white blood cells. In addition to DLBCL, high-grade B-cell lymphoma (HGBL) is a subset of NHL.
Receiving a diagnosis
Your doctor will talk with you about your symptoms and will evaluate them along with details from your comprehensive medical history. If your doctor suspects lymphoma after a physical exam, they may order a biopsy (removal of cells or tissue from your body) to confirm a diagnosis, determine the stage of disease and its subtype, and aid in treatment planning.
Your doctor may also order other diagnostic tests to help determine which type of lymphoma you have.
Treatment considerations in DLBCL
About 30-40% of people with newly diagnosed DLBCL are at risk of their cancer worsening or returning after treatment with traditional chemoimmunotherapy.† When subsequent therapy for DLBCL is needed, the course of the disease has a worse outlook. This is why the first treatment choice is a vital decision.
When evaluating your treatment options with your healthcare team, it is important to understand how well the treatment works and the possible side effects of the treatment.
For a sample list of questions to help you prepare for your next doctor's visit and understand your diagnosis and treatment options, including if POLIVY may be right for you, download this discussion guide.
Your care team
Your care team is often more than just your primary care physician and your cancer doctor (oncologist).
While you were most likely diagnosed by a primary care physician or an oncologist, other healthcare providers may be involved at different stages in your journey. You may also hear your care team being called your “cancer care team” or a “multidisciplinary team". You may not see all these individuals, but they may be a part of your journey.
Who is on my care team?
The doctor who you see at regular checkups and who you call first when you feel ill. They refer you to specialists, if needed.
Also known as the hematologic oncologist (or heme-onc), a doctor who specializes in diagnosing and treating blood cancers and may lead your care team by working closely with all the other healthcare providers.
Works directly with your oncologist and helps determine the results of your diagnostic tests. They play an important role in figuring out the type and severity of the cancer.
Healthcare professionals with whom you might have the most interaction during your treatment. Nurses help you talk to your doctor so you can make informed decisions, and they may help you set up appointments or medical tests.
A professional who guides you through the healthcare system. They may assist you with financial, social, legal, or insurance-related aspects of your healthcare needs.
A multidisciplinary group of healthcare professionals that provides supportive and palliative care during your treatment cycles.
Fills prescriptions, addresses questions about how to take medicine, and advises you about any necessary precautions.
Helps you find ways to eat and hydrate appropriately and maintain your health during and after your cancer treatment.
Assists with the emotional and social aspects of dealing with cancer and can connect you with community, support services, and other resources to help you cope with difficult transitions.
Coaches you on ways to talk about your feelings and cope with them in order to better handle stress and anxiety.
A licensed professional who provides personal care to people at home and can help with bathing, dressing, and other daily chores.
†R-CHOP is the traditional chemoimmunotherapy regimen that has been historically used in the treatment of newly diagnosed DLBCL. R-CHOP is an acronym for the following medicines: a rituximab product (R); cyclophosphamide (C); doxorubicin, also known as Adriamycin (H); vincristine, also known as Oncovin (O); and prednisone (P).
Downloadable
Resources
Resources
Download resources and explore recommended informational sites and support groups.
Questions To Ask Your Doctor
The doctor discussion guide provides a set of questions to ask your care team to help make sense of the information related to your diagnosis and treatment.