What is Lymphocyte Depleted Hodgkin’s Lymphoma?
Lymphocyte depleted Hodgkin’s lymphoma (LDCHL) is a rare diffuse subtype of classical Hodgkin’s lymphoma( cancer of lymphocyte or white blood cells).On microscopic examination of blood and through bone marrow biopsy examination characteristic features like the presence of non-neoplastic lymphocytes( WBCs), and the presence of Hodgkin Reed Sternberg cells(HRS) should be found to consider it LDHCL. Bone marrow and abdominal (belly) lymph nodes and abdominal organs are the most common sites for the development of this cancer. However, other lymph nodes and organs of the body may also become involved.Disease Epidemiology
It is more common in HIV patients and developing countries and makes less than 1% of the lymphocyte or white blood cell cancer (Hodgkin’s lymphoma). The median age for the development of the disease ranges from 30-37 years. It is more prevalent in males. Among the total reported cases, 60-75% of the cases occurred in males.Disease Etiology (Causes)
There is no exact well-known cause of the LDCHL is found. However, some research studies revealed an association between the presence of infection-causing organisms and the development of lymphocyte depleted Hodgkin’s lymphoma. This is especially true for the Ebstain bar virus (EBV).Signs and symptoms
- In most of the cases, B symptoms are present; these are fever, night sweats, and weight loss.
- Immuno-compromised patients like HIV patients who have LDCHL suffer from recurrent infections due to severe deficiency of neutrophils (white blood cells that fight against viruses, bacteria, fungi, and other microorganisms to protect the individual).
Diagnosis
The following are the diagnostic tests that help diagnose the lymphocyte depleted classical Hodgkin’s lymphoma.- Complete blood count (CBC) with peripheral smear
- Blood coagulation profile
- Bone marrow aspiration and cytology
- Immunohistochemistry
- EBV antibodies test
- CT- scan, MRI, PET scan, Ultrasonography (USG), and X-Ray to detect the site and extent of cancer.