Living with Mantle cell lymphoma
A slow-growing cancer of immune cells (B-cells) in the lymph nodes, usually found in adults and often widespread at diagnosis.
Understanding Mantle cell lymphoma
In MCL, cancerous B-cells (a type of immune cell) collect in a region of the lymph node called the mantle zone. It is usually found in adults. Although it grows slowly, GARD says the cancer is usually widespread by the time it is diagnosed.
Signs & symptoms
Symptoms vary from person to person. GARD lists these among the most common:
- Swollen lymph nodes
- Fever
- Tiredness (fatigue)
- Weight loss
- Loss of appetite
- Enlarged spleen
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 American Cancer Society 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. It says cancerous B-cells collect in the mantle zone of lymph nodes.
Also known as: classical mantle cell lymphoma; lcm; mantle zone lymphoma; mcl
Patient organizations
- American Cancer SocietyMantle cell lymphoma · United States
- Blood Cancer UnitedMantle cell lymphoma · United States
- HealthTree FoundationMantle cell lymphoma · United States
- Lymphoma Research FoundationMantle cell lymphoma · United States
You are more than your diagnosis
Perspectives from people navigating life with Mantle cell lymphoma.
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