What is Intravascular NK/T-cell Lymphoma?
Intravascular NK/T-cell Lymphoma is an extremely rare and aggressive form of lymphoma. What makes it unique is that the cancerous cells grow mainly inside small blood vessels rather than forming large tumours in organs or lymph nodes. This disease involves NK (natural killer) cells or T-cells, both of which are part of the immune system. It can affect many parts of the body, especially the skin, brain, and other organs.
Symptoms
The symptoms vary depending on which organ is affected. In many cases, the skin is involved, and patients develop painful red or purple patches or ulcers. If the brain is involved, people may have headaches, confusion, seizures, or weakness. Some people also experience fever, weight loss, or night sweats. Because the cancer grows within blood vessels, it can cut off blood supply and cause tissue damage.
Diagnosis
Diagnosing this disease is very difficult. A skin or tissue biopsy is needed to examine the small blood vessels and find the cancer cells. Special staining tests and molecular markers are used to confirm the NK/T-cell type. Blood tests, bone marrow biopsy, and imaging scans are done to see the extent of the disease.
Treatment
There is no standard treatment, but intensive chemotherapy is commonly used. Some patients may benefit from stem cell transplantation. Due to the aggressive nature of the disease, treatment needs to start immediately. Because this lymphoma is so rare, patients may also be referred to specialist cancer centers or clinical trials for newer therapies.
Prognosis
The prognosis is generally poor. Intravascular NK/T-cell lymphoma tends to spread quickly and does not respond well to traditional treatments. However, early diagnosis and access to specialised care may improve the chances of survival. Researchers are actively working to understand this disease better and develop more effective therapies.
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