What is Mantle Cell Lymphoma?

Mantle cell lymphoma is a subtype of B-cell or B-Lymphocyte lymphoma categorized under Non-Hodgkin's lymphoma. This type of lymphoma is due to a malignant transformation of the B-cells. These B-cells are part of the immune system and responsible for destroying microorganisms that invade the body. The disease got its name for the malignant B-cells are often found in the mantle zone of the lymph node. Under morphological studies, this would present as a non-aggressive type of lymphoma. However, mantle cell lymphoma is an aggressive type of B-cell lymphoma and the malignancy can spread quickly in the body.

Mantle cell lymphoma is a rare-type of Non-Hodgkin's lymphoma. Comprising about 7% of the patients belonging in this category, it is commonly found in age groups above 60 years old. This type of lymphoma is manifested by swollen, non-tender lymph nodes located in the throat, and can involve other nodes such as the ones located near the collar bone, the armpits, chests, and groin. The malignant cells can also metastasize in the spleen and liver, giving the sensation of a full, distended abdomen. Fatigue in this condition is due to anemia because of spleen and bone marrow involvement may also be observed, as well as unexplained fever and weight loss. Gastric symptoms such as nausea and vomiting can also be observed.

Treatment for mantle cell lymphoma is given depending on the current stage of malignancy and metastasis. Rituximab is used to help the immune system look for the malignant cells and destroy them, with the help of Interferon given as an immune system booster. R-CHOP in combination with Rituximab and a steroid is commonly given as a form of chemotherapy that aims in destroying the cancer cells. In Stage I and Stage II phase it is treated with a local radiation therapy with or without the aid of chemotherapeutic agents. To help the body recover, stem cell therapy such as bone marrow transplant is done as an aggressive form of treatment when the disease is at the later stage.

Research is still being conducted on ways to treat mantle cell lymphoma without suffering from too much side effects. The MCL Consortium is a group of physicians dedicated to battling this disease. Their website has mantle cell lymphoma resources for researchers and patients designed to help people understand this malignancy as well as group together patients and survivors to form a support group.

Need to learn more about Lymphoma? Be sure to check out Lymphoma Symptoms which contains in-depth information on Mantle Cell Lymphoma symptoms, causes, treatment and much more.

What are the Functions of Vitamin B12

FunctionsThree main enzymatic reactions regarding vitamin B12 have been noted to occur in humans. The first reaction requires methylcobalamin as a coenzyme in the conversion of homocysteine into methionine. This reaction occurs in the cytosol of the cell. The reaction is intrinsic to the production of tetrahydrofolate (THF). The production of THF is irreversible and requires vitamin B12, therefore, a B12 deficiency can trap folate in its methyl form (also known as the folate-methyl trap), which in turn affects purine and thymidylate synthesis. A second set of reactions requiring B12 are those catalyzed by mutases. These reactions occur within the mitochondria. These include the production of succinyl CoA, a Krebs cycle intermediate. Mutase enzymes are also intrinsic in the oxidation of fatty acids. A defect in mutase activity results in impai.red muscle activity and an accumulation of methylmalonyl CoA and methylmalonic acid. The branched-chain amino acid leucine is also catalyzed by a mutase enzyme. Specifically, leucine undergoes isomerization, requiring adenosylcobalamin . SourcesThe only dietary sources of vitamin B12 are animal products. Plants and legumes are not good sources of vitamin B12, but may contain small quantities of B12 due to contamination with microorganisms during harvesting. Cobalamins are found in meat, meat products, poultry, fish, clams, oysters, and eggs. The bioavailability of the cobalamins depends on which form they are found in. Governmental Recommended IntakeTwo micrograms daily is the recommended daily intake for vitamin B12. Doses of vitamin C that are greater than 500 mg and taken within I hour of eating a meal may impair B12 absorption?Deficiency symptomsMore than 95% of the B12 deficiencies diagnosed are related to inadequate absorption rather than inadequate dietary intake. Vitamin B12 deficiency occurs in stages of which changes within the cells and blood are primary. Vitamin B12 deficiency later results in megaloblastic anemia (this can also be caused by folate deficiency, therefore, it is best to treat with a combination of B12 and folate). Signs of progressive B12 deficiency include neuropathy, characterized by demyelination of nerves, and hyperhomocystinemia. The populations at greatest risk for a B12 deficiency do not include athletes, but rather the elderly, alcoholics, gastrectomy patients, and strict vegetarians (vegans).

Understanding cancer

Cancer begins in cells, the building blocks that make up tissues. Tissues make up the organs of the body.
Normally, cells grow and divide to form new cells as the body needs them. When cells grow old, they die, and new cells take their place.
Sometimes, this process goes wrong. New cells form when the body does not need them, and old or damaged cells do not die as they should. The buildup of extra cells often forms a mass of tissue called a growth, polyp, or tumor.
Tumors in the stomach can be benign (not cancer) or malignant (cancer). Benign tumors are not as harmful as malignant tumors:
Benign tumors:
are rarely a threat to life
can be removed and usually don't grow back
don't invade the tissues around them
don't spread to other parts of the body
Malignant tumors:
may be a threat to life
often can be removed but sometimes grow back
can invade and damage nearby organs and tissues
can spread to other parts of the body
Stomach cancer usually begins in cells in the inner layer of the stomach. Over time, the cancer may invade more deeply into the stomach wall. A stomach tumor can grow through the stomach's outer layer into nearby organs, such as the liver, pancreas, esophagus, or intestine.
Stomach cancer cells can spread by breaking away from the original tumor. They enter blood vessels or lymph vessels, which branch into all the tissues of the body. The cancer cells may be found in lymph nodes near the stomach. The cancer cells may attach to other tissues and grow to form new tumors that may damage those tissues.
The spread of cancer is called metastasis. See the Staging section for information about stomach cancer that has spread.