Understanding Monoclonal B-Cell Lymphocytosis: Key Points to Remember
Monoclonal B-cell Lymphocytosis (MBL) is a condition characterized by an excessive amount of abnormal B cells in the blood. B cells are a type of white blood cell, known as lymphocytes, that play an important role in the immune system by producing antibodies to fight viruses, toxins, and bacteria.
MBL does not cause symptoms, but a doctor may request regular blood tests to monitor a person's lymphocyte count and ensure their levels of lymphocytes do not increase further. If the number of abnormal B cells is found to be excessive, further testing such as a blood test, flow cytometry, bone marrow biopsy, or CT scan may be ordered.
There are two types of MBL: low-count MBL and high-count MBL. Low-count MBL does not typically progress to chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) and is considered an immunological condition. On the other hand, high-count MBL shares certain clinical and biological features with CLL and may progress to CLL requiring treatment in 1-2% of cases per year.
CLL is the type of leukemia that affects adults, and the cancer affects lymphocytes in the bone marrow, which then travel to the blood. CLL is often initially asymptomatic and discovered incidentally on blood tests, but as it advances, symptoms appear that reflect lymphocyte accumulation in blood and tissues, immune system impairment, and organ infiltration.
Common symptoms associated with the progression of MBL to B-cell diseases such as CLL include swollen lymph nodes, enlarged spleen and liver, fatigue, recurrent infections, autoimmune complications, night sweats or unexplained weight loss, blood abnormalities such as cytopenias, and in advanced or end-stage disease, decreased urine output, heart rate fluctuations, cold/blotchy extremities, changes in breathing, drops in blood pressure, delirium, bleeding tendencies, and neurological symptoms such as muscle jerks.
In cases where MBL progresses to CLL, the outlook is generally positive, with a current five-year survival rate in the United States. People with MBL may need to undergo regular blood testing to monitor their lymphocyte count.
Risk factors for MBL include age (people over 40 are more likely to develop it), sex (females are more likely than males), family history of CLL, and a medical history of certain infections such as pneumonia, hepatitis C, and cellulitis.
In summary, MBL is a condition in which an abnormal B cell clones itself repeatedly, and because the cells are abnormal, they do not function effectively as part of the immune system. While MBL does not typically require treatment, it is important for individuals with MBL to undergo regular monitoring and for doctors to be aware of the potential for MBL to progress to CLL.
The abnormal B cells present in Monoclonal B-cell Lymphocytosis (MBL) can occasionally progress to chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL), a type of chronic disease that specifically affects adults and causes symptoms such as swollen lymph nodes, enlarged spleen and liver, and fatigue. Medical history of certain infections, like pneumonia, hepatitis C, and cellulitis, can increase the risk of developing MBL, making regular health-and-wellness checks crucial for individuals at risk. Furthermore, science and medical advancements are continually working to better understand MBL and its potential progression, aiming to improve treatment options and survival rates for those living with chronic-kidney-disease or other lymphomas.
