B-cell lymphoma is an umbrella of conditions that has different types of cancers under it. When an individual gets diagnosed with B-cell lymphoma, it is important to understand what specific type of condition is being talked about to proceed further. The cancers are categorized based on how the cells look if they have proteins on their surface and the gene changes, which happen inside the lymphoma cells. The different types of B-cell lymphomas are as follows:

• Diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL): This is known to be the most common type of B-cell lymphoma. While the progression of this condition happens at a faster rate, it is also possible to cure it. This kind of cancer starts in the lymph nodes or certain other areas present in the lymph tissue. Other parts of the body where this type of cancer can originate are the brain, intestines, skin, and bones.
• Follicular lymphoma: This type of B-cell lymphoma is known to have a slow progression. It is estimated that about 20% to 30% of non-Hodgkin’s lymphomas fall under this category. It usually is known to affect people over the age of 65 years. Lymph nodes and bone marrow are the areas where this type of cancer resides and grows. The first symptom one would notice in this condition would be the swelling of the lymph nodes in the armpit, groin, or neck.
• Marginal zone B-cell lymphoma (MZL): An area of lymph nodes where a high concentration of B-cells reside is known as the marginal zone, which is also the origin area of this type of cancer. 8% of all of non-Hodgkin’s lymphomas fall under this category. This cancer is also diagnosed at the age of 60 years. The risk of being affected by this condition increases if the individual has an infection with hepatitis C Virus, H. Pylori, or some types of autoimmune conditions.
• Chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL)/ Small lymphocytic lymphoma (SLL): These two conditions are extremely similar due to the presence of a similar kind of cancer cell. The major difference between these two conditions arises where CLL occurs in the bone marrow and blood whereas SLL affects the lymph nodes.
• Mantle cell lymphoma (MCL): This, unlike the previous few examples, has a fast progression and is a rare form of cancer. 6% of all non-Hodgkin’s lymphomas fall under this category. The area on the outer edge of the lymph nodes is known as the mantle zone, and cancer originates in its B-cells.
• Burkitt lymphoma: 1% of all non-Hodgkin’s lymphomas in the country fall under this category and it mostly affects males and children. This is further divided into three types namely endemic, sporadic, and immunodeficiency-related Burkitt lymphomas.
• Lymphoplasmacytic lymphoma: This is also diagnosed post the age of 60 years and has a slow progression. The overproduction of a protein called immunoglobulin M leads to the development of this cancer.

Understanding the category of cancer the individual is suffering from can help greatly in deciding the immediate next steps to be taken in the treatment plan.