Diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) is a cancer of B cells, a type of
lymphocyte that is responsible for producing antibodies. It is the most common
form of non-Hodgkin lymphoma among adults, with an annual incidence of 7–8
cases per 100,000 people per year in the US and UK. This cancer occurs
primarily in older individuals, with a median age of diagnosis at ~70 years,
although it can occur in young adults and, in rare cases, children. DLBCL can
arise in virtually any part of the body and, depending on various factors, is
often a very aggressive malignancy. The first sign of this illness is
typically the observation of a rapidly growing mass or tissue infiltration
that is sometimes associated with systemic B symptoms, e.g. fever, weight
loss, and night sweats.