An overview of the epidemiology and treatment of follicular lymphoma

Follicular lymphoma accounts for between 20% and 30% of all non-Hodgkin lymphomas, so while relatively uncommon as a cancer, it represents a substantial percentage of lymphomas, Poh notes. People are typically diagnosed in their 60s and 70s, although the disease does occur in younger patients, observes Poh. The presentation is variable, with some patients experiencing painless but enlarged lymph nodes while others have abdominal or chest lymphadenopathy that is detected incidentally. Follicular lymphoma is generally considered incurable with conventional therapy, but patients often experience multiple cycles of treatment and remission over the course of their lives, Pon says, adding that there's also a risk of transformation into a more aggressive lymphoma.