Disease resources

What is CLL/SLL?

CLL and SLL are cancers caused by abnormal B cells (also known as B lymphocytes). B cells are a type of white blood cell found in blood and bone marrow. When B cells develop normally, they help protect the body from infection and disease.^1,2

In CLL, cancer cells are found mostly in the blood and bone marrow. In SLL, cancer cells are found mostly in the lymph nodes and spleen. The treatment for CLL and SLL is very similar because they are both caused by abnormal B cells.¹

What is FL?

FL is a type of B-cell lymphoma, a form of non-Hodgkin lymphoma. It is a slow-growing cancer that may appear in the lymph nodes, bone marrow, and other organs. Symptoms of FL—such as swollen lymph nodes, fever, and drenching night sweats—are similar to those of non-Hodgkin lymphoma.¹

Healthcare providers consider FL a chronic illness, as symptoms often subside after treatment and then come back. This cycle of remission-relapse-remission means people who have FL feel as if they’re never able to say they’re “done” with treatment.¹

What is MCL?

MCL is a rare, aggressive form of non-Hodgkin lymphoma. It is caused by the rapid growth and spread of cancerous B cells.¹

Patients with MCL generally present with enlarged lymph nodes in the throat, liver, or gastrointestinal tract.¹ Patients may also have an enlarged spleen detected upon physical examination.²

Because MCL is often diagnosed at a later stage of the disease, it may spread to other sites in the body, including the bone marrow, bloodstream, gastrointestinal tract, or other sites not involving lymph nodes.³

What is MZL?

MZL comprises a group of slow-growing non-Hodgkin lymphomas. MZL is a B-cell lymphoma that develops in a type of lymphatic tissue called the marginal zone, which is present in the blood, bone marrow, lymph nodes, spleen, or other organs, and accounts for approximately 5% to 10% of all cases of non-Hodgkin lymphoma.²

Extranodal MZL is the most common form of MZL. Other types are nodal MZL and splenic MZL.²

MZL is more commonly diagnosed in people over the age of 65. Because MZL is slow-growing, it may be years before patients experience symptoms or the condition is detected.³

What is WM?

WM is a hematologic cancer that starts in B cells. The cancer cells in people with WM are similar to those of multiple myeloma and non-Hodgkin lymphoma.¹

WM cells make large amounts of a certain type of antibody known as a macroglobulin. The buildup of this antibody can lead to many of the symptoms of WM, including excess bleeding, problems with vision, and nervous system problems.¹

WM cells grow mainly in the bone marrow, where they can crowd out normal blood cells. This may result in anemia, a weakened ability to fight infection, and increased bleeding and bruising.¹