Small Lymphocytic Lymphoma
Receiving a cancer diagnosis is a life-altering experience. The daily life of people with Small Lymphocytic Lymphoma (SLL) can be impacted by symptoms such as extreme fatigue and discomfort.1 That said, SLL is an indolent type of cancer, or slow-growing, which means that it is possible to live with the condition and experience long periods with a good quality of life.2
Lymphoma is a cancer that starts in cells that are part of our body’s immune system.3 Small Lymphocytic Lymphoma (SLL) is a cancer of the white blood cells, more specifically blood cells called B-lymphocytes. These make our antibodies, which are a key part of our immune system.4 In SLL, B-lymphocytes grow rapidly and abnormally, building up in the lymph nodes, which are glands that are part of our immune system and filter harmful substances to protect our body against infection.5
SLL is a considered a slow-growing type of Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma, a term used for different subtypes of blood cancer. The condition is often paired together with Chronic Lymphocytic Leukaemia (CLL), as they are the same disease, but in CLL, cancer cells are commonly found in the blood or bone marrow.6
What are the symptoms of Small Lymphocytic Lymphoma (SLL)?
People with SLL often feel well and do not show any obvious symptoms. It is not uncommon for the condition to be detected by chance during check-ups for a different condition, so your diagnosis may come as a complete surprise.4
Some do experience symptoms, most commonly painless swelling in the neck, groin or armpits, caused by cells building up in the lymph nodes.7 Feeling lethargic despite sleeping enough, and a loss of appetite can also be indicators of SLL.8 Sudden fevers, night sweats and unexplained weight loss are symptoms that can indicate SLL in later stages – also known as B-symptoms.9
Your doctor will determine whether you have SLL with a biopsy, which is the main test to diagnose SLL. Here, part of or a whole lymph node is removed and sent to a lab for examination.8 Other possible tests are blood tests and imaging studies, such as CT scans and X-rays.10
Once the tests confirm your diagnosis, your doctor will stage the progression of your cancer to advice on the best treatment for your situation. Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma subtypes are commonly staged as follows:11
Early-Stage Lymphoma | Advanced Lymphoma | ||
STAGE I | STAGE II | STAGE III | STAGE IV |
The lymphoma is located in one area. | There are two or more lymphoma areas located on the same side of the diaphragm. | There are areas of lymphoma above and below the diaphragm. | The lymphoma is widespread and can affect organs such as the bone marrow, lungs and liver. |
How Common is Small Lymphocytic Lymphoma (SLL)?
SLL represents 7% of all Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphomas.12
Unfortunately, as with most cancers, a clear cause for SLL is still not known, though research has identified some risk factors that could influence the development of the condition:
- Age: the median age of people diagnosed with SLL is 6513
- Race: SLL is more prevalent in Caucasians127
- Gender: SLL has a slight male predominance12
Treatment and Care
SLL is an indolent form of Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma, meaning the disease tends to develop slowly.13 If you are well and are not or hardly showing symptoms, your doctor will most likely advise monitoring the progression of your disease, also known as ‘watch and wait’, 14 rather than starting treatment, as there’s no proof that early treatment is necessarily beneficial.15
Once your doctor decides you need treatment, they will base your treatment plan on your overall health, how your symptoms are affecting you and the stage of your SLL. Treatment can be different for everyone, but one of the most common forms of treatment is chemotherapy, usually in combination with targeted therapies or steroids, which can sometimes be used alone.16
New treatments for SLL are being researched all the time. If you are interested in taking part in clinical trials, don’t hesitate to ask your doctor for more information, or speak to an SLL specialist who can inform you on effective trials and guide you through the process.
Deciding a treatment plan that’s right for you can be difficult, as there are many things to take into consideration. Take the time to discuss your options with your doctor and how they will affect your everyday life. Inform yourself as much as possible and don’t hesitate to speak to multiple specialists to get a second opinion.
Living with Small Lymphocytic Lymphoma (SLL)
As SLL is a slow-growing lymphoma, people with the condition tend to have long periods with a good quality of life.
Still, receiving a cancer diagnosis can feel overwhelming and scary. Learn as much as you can about SLL and your treatment plan, so you’ll feel better prepared to live with, and accept the condition. Discussing your treatment plan and how SLL is affecting your health with your doctor can help allay any worries you may have.1
Despite the indolent character of SLL, the condition and its treatments can still have an impact on your daily life, causing complications such as fatigue and discomfort. Be honest with loved ones about how you feel, and let them know how they can best support you – on good and bad days.
If you feel like you can’t discuss certain topics with those close to you, seek professional assistance. Make sure to also listen to your body and know its limits. Allow yourself time to rest and relax when needed.
What to ask your doctor?
- What are my treatment options? How much time do I have to decide?
- How long will the treatment take?
- What are the possible side effects? How can I manage them?
- What side effects should I tell you about right away?
- What happens if the treatment doesn’t work?
- How will this affect my everyday life?
- What will happen if monitoring is advised over treatment?
- Can I get a second opinion? Can I speak to a specialist?
- Are there any clinical trials I can join? How effective are they?
- Can you suggest a mental health professional I can see if I start to feel overwhelmed, depressed or distressed? Can I be referred to patient support groups?
Janssen & Small Lymphocytic Lymphoma (SLL)
Thanks to targeted therapies, immunotherapies and advancements in blood and bone marrow transplants, the outlook for patients with SLL and other lymphomas is far more promising now than decades ago.
At Janssen, we are and will remain committed driving advancing research and solutions in innovative ways to fundamentally change the way blood cancer is managed. Together with researchers, specialists and patient organizations, we will continue to work towards breakthroughs in the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of SLL.
Glossary
- Indolent: lymphoma that is slow-growing.
- Lymphocytes: blood cells that are part of the immune system.
- Prognosis: the likely course of a disease based on several factors.
- Remission: when tests indicate that lymphoma is no longer in your body.
- Relapse: the return or recurrence of a disease after previous treatment and apparent recovery.
- Systemic: affecting the whole body.
Patient advocacy groups
This website is developed exclusively by Janssen Pharmaceutica NV. Please note that the patient advocacy groups listed below are an additional and independent source of information you might find useful. These groups were not involved with the creation of this website and do not endorse its content in any way.
تحالف سرطان الغدد الليمفاوية عبارة عن شبكة عالمية من مجموعات مرضى سرطان الغدد الليمفاوية، تم إنشاؤها لنشر الوعي حول الحالة وتوفير مجتمع دعم للمجموعات في جميع أنحاء العالم.
معهد سرطان الغدد الليمفاوية الأوروبي عبارة عن شبكة أوروبية متعددة الوظائف مخصصة لإجراء الأبحاث المتطورة ومشاركتها. تنسق المنظمة النصوص التنظيمية الخاصة بالبحوث السريرية داخل الاتحاد الأوروبي.