Living with Anaplastic large cell lymphoma
A rare type of non-Hodgkin lymphoma, a cancer of the lymph system, that usually involves T cells.
Understanding Anaplastic large cell lymphoma
Non-Hodgkin lymphoma involves abnormal growth of white blood cells, and ALCL usually involves T cells. Cancer cells carry a marker called CD30. There are two types: cutaneous (mostly in the skin) and systemic (in other organs). Systemic ALCL is ALK-positive, which occurs more in children and young adults, or ALK-negative, which tends to occur in older adults. It can start at any time in life.
Signs & symptoms
Symptoms depend on the type. GARD's summary says they include:
- Red skin sores that break open and don't heal (cutaneous type)
- Fever (systemic type)
- Night sweats (systemic type)
- Weight loss (systemic type)
Not everyone has every symptom. GARD's list comes from the Human Phenotype Ontology.
Diagnosis
- 1Talk with your doctor
Share the symptoms you've noticed, when they started and your family health history. Notes and photos can help.
- 2See a specialist
Specialists who may be involved include blood and bone marrow specialists and cancer specialists.
- 3Ask which tests can help
Your care team will decide which exams and tests can confirm the diagnosis.
Care & treatment
- Care team
- Blood and bone marrow specialists (hematologists); Cancer specialists (oncologists)
- Expert care
- Ask about multidisciplinary care centers for rare conditions
- Treatment
- GARD doesn't list specific treatments for this condition. Your care team will tailor care to your symptoms.
- Research
- Clinical trials and observational studies may be options. See the research section below.
General information, not medical advice. Your care team makes the decisions.
Everyday life
Living with a rare condition is easier with support.
- Connect with HealthTree Foundation and other patient organizations
- Keep notes on symptoms, changes and questions for appointments
- Ask about patient registries that help research
- Look into financial aid and travel resources for care visits
Quick facts
GARD doesn't describe a cause for this condition yet.
Also known as: alcl; anaplastic large cell lymphoma (alcl) cd30+; anaplastic large cell lymphoma cd30 positive; anaplastic large cell lymphoma, cd30+; anaplastic large cell lymphoma, t cell and null cell type; anaplastic large-cell lymphoma
Patient organizations
- HealthTree FoundationAnaplastic large cell lymphoma · United States
- Lymphoma Research FoundationAnaplastic large cell lymphoma · United States
You are more than your diagnosis
Perspectives from people navigating life with Anaplastic large cell lymphoma.
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