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What is a Lymphoproliferative Disorder?

Dulce Corazon
Dulce Corazon

A lymphoproliferative disorder is a medical condition characterized by the dysfunction of the immune system often resulting in excessive production of lymphocytes or white blood cells. The immune system is the body's defense against infections and diseases caused by invading organisms such as bacteria and viruses. People with these disorders often have compromised immune systems, and they are prone to develop severe infections. Malignancy or cancer may also develop as a result.

Lymphocytes are produced in the bone marrow and are usually found in the blood, lymph nodes, and spleen. Lymph nodes are distributed throughout the body to fight against infection. The spleen, located in the left upper section of the abdomen, stores blood and also protects the body against infection. In those with a lymphoproliferative disorder, increased lymphocytes in the bloodstream can lead to the enlargement of the lymph nodes and the spleen.

Lymphoproliferative disorders are typically indicated by a presence of extra white blood cells, which notes a malfunction in the immune system.
Lymphoproliferative disorders are typically indicated by a presence of extra white blood cells, which notes a malfunction in the immune system.

Many of these disorders originate from inherited conditions and sometimes are caused by acquired immune system dysfunction. Other cases, however, have no known cause. Examples include ataxia telangiectasia, Wiskott-Aldrich syndrome, and autoimmune lymphoproliferative syndrome (ALPS). These conditions are often a result of genetic mutations inherited from one or both parents, and may occur in both men and women.

An MRI is one way to detect  lymphoproliferative disorders.
An MRI is one way to detect lymphoproliferative disorders.

An X-linked lymphoproliferative syndrome is another inherited disorder that mostly affects men. Many men with this condition have increased susceptibility to develop infections due to the Epstein-Barr virus (EVB). EBV, also known as herpesvirus 4, is often the cause of infectious mononucleosis. Symptoms include lymph node enlargement, fever, and sore throat. These patients may develop lymphoma, a cancer affecting the immune system, and aplastic anemia, a condition marked by failure of the bone marrow to produce new blood cells.

Lymphocytes are found in the blood, lymph nodes, and spleen.
Lymphocytes are found in the blood, lymph nodes, and spleen.

One acquired cause of lymphoproliferative disorder in children includes an infection with the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). HIV-infected mothers can pass the virus to their children during pregnancy, during delivery, or through breast milk. Disorders can also develop after organ transplant procedures and use of immunosuppressive drugs. Immunosuppressive drugs are administered in order to suppress the immune system from rejecting the new organ.

Lymphoproliferative disorders are typically diagnosed through blood testing.
Lymphoproliferative disorders are typically diagnosed through blood testing.

Diagnostic tools usually used to evaluate patients with lymphoproliferative disorders include a complete blood count (CBC), blood test to detect EBV infection, bone scan, X-ray, and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). A team of professionals will often manage the patient, and can include oncologists, surgeons, and other medical specialists whose expertise may be needed, depending on the extent of the patient's condition.

Discussion Comments

anon995899

Breast implants are also known to cause ALCL -- Anaplastic Large Cell Lymphoma, and most women also have enlarged lymph nodes.

All implants have a silicone outer shell which causes serious lymphatic issues and many other issues. If you know anyone who has breast implants, this is something you may want to read about. It's becoming a major epidemic of thousands of women becoming very sick from their implants.

bear78

A relative of mine was also suspected of having this disorder. But it was found that she had something called t-zone lymphoma. Apparently the two have similar symptoms and findings and doctors don't think of t-zone lymphoma right away because it is very rare.

SteamLouis

My nephew has lymphoproliferative disorder. It was diagnosed when he was three years old.

When it develops due to a viral infections and diseases the article mentioned, it can happen at any age of course.

But for people like my nephew who have this genetic disorder from birth, it's diagnosed at a very early age. I think by the time the child is four or five years, it is diagnosed.

burcinc

I can imagine how difficult it would be for the doctor and patient to treat this disorder when they are also trying to prevent the rejection of a transplanted organ.

I think the same is true for cancer patients who have to undergo chemotherapy and radiotherapy and also have lymphoproliferative disorder.

Both of these situations need urgent treatment and care. I wonder how doctors make decisions in these situations and which treatment will be given priority to and for how long.

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    • Lymphoproliferative disorders are typically indicated by a presence of extra white blood cells, which notes a malfunction in the immune system.
      By: Sebastian Tomus
      Lymphoproliferative disorders are typically indicated by a presence of extra white blood cells, which notes a malfunction in the immune system.
    • An MRI is one way to detect  lymphoproliferative disorders.
      By: tawesit
      An MRI is one way to detect lymphoproliferative disorders.
    • Lymphocytes are found in the blood, lymph nodes, and spleen.
      By: CLIPAREA.com
      Lymphocytes are found in the blood, lymph nodes, and spleen.
    • Lymphoproliferative disorders are typically diagnosed through blood testing.
      By: spflaum
      Lymphoproliferative disorders are typically diagnosed through blood testing.
    • EBV can be easily spread by sharing drinks or other close contact.
      By: bokan
      EBV can be easily spread by sharing drinks or other close contact.