Certified Hospice and Palliative Assistant (CHPNA) Practice Test

What indicates an aggressively progressing lymphoma?

1. B-cell origin

2. T-cell origin

3. NK-cell origin

4. None of the above

The correct answer is: T-cell origin

The indication that a lymphoma is aggressively progressing is most commonly associated with its origin, particularly when considering T-cell lymphomas. T-cell lymphomas tend to have a more aggressive clinical course compared to B-cell lymphomas, which can sometimes present as indolent or slower growing. T-cell lymphomas can include various subtypes, such as peripheral T-cell lymphoma and others, which are often more resistant to treatment and have a higher tendency to spread rapidly. The nature of T-cells in the immune system also contributes to this aggressive behavior, as they play a role in cellular immunity and are often involved in more intense and rapid responses to stimuli. In contrast, B-cell lymphomas can be classified into both aggressive and indolent types, making them more variable in their behavior. While there are aggressive B-cell lymphomas (like Diffuse Large B-cell Lymphoma), the presence of T-cell origin is generally a more consistent marker for aggressive progression in lymphoma cases. Thus, recognizing T-cell origin as indicative of aggressiveness is crucial in diagnosing and planning appropriate treatment strategies.