What is diffuse large B-cell lymphoma cancer?

DLBCL develops from abnormal B cells which are larger than normal, healthy B cells. These cells can move to other locations of the body through the blood and lymphatic system, the term ‘diffuse’ refers to how the cells spread. Although DLBCL is aggressive, it is potentially curable.³  DLBCL is the commonly used medical abbreviation for diffuse large B cell lymphoma cancer.

What are the symptoms of diffuse large B-cell lymphoma?

The clinical manifestation of a DLBCL can vary from patient to patient and depends on the disease localisation and diffusion in the body.³ If the doctor knows about your specific symptoms, it might help them to identify the stage of the lymphoma and plan treatment.

How is DLBCL diagnosed?

The first indications of DLBCL is often a quick-growing, painless mass or lump in a lymph node in the armpit, neck or groin.⁵ Seeing a doctor quickly if there are symptoms will help to diagnose and detect DLBCL in the early stages. 

A diagnosis usually is made by a haematologist and is confirmed through a biopsy of an abnormal lymph node which has been analysed under a microscope to check for cell and tissues abnormalities.

Additional diagnostic tests might include:¹

• Blood tests
• Lumbar puncture to check for lymphoma cells in the fluid around the brain and spinal cord
• A bone marrow test to check for lymphoma cells in the bone marrow
• Imaging tests to help map the stage of the DLBCL. These could include PET and CT/MRI scans

How can people living with DLBCL support their mental and physical wellbeing?

A healthy lifestyle might help to speed up recovery and improve well-being and long-term health for people living with DLBCL.⁶

Getting support

Practical, physical, and emotional support often helps people with DLBCL and their family and friends.¹⁰  Speaking to doctors and medical practitioners about treatment and side effects is an important part of living with DLBCL. Organisations that focus on helping people with blood cancers in the UK include Blood Cancer UK, and Lymphoma Action. They often have online, in person, and telephone support. 

Everyone's experience of being diagnosed with, and living with, DLBCL will be different. But sometimes it helps to hear from other people with DLBCL. 

Below are four short films of people living with DLBCL as they talk through their journey, challenges they have faced and how it has impacted them and their families.