Magda Szubanski diagnosed with mantle cell lymphoma: What you must know about disease
Beloved TV icon Magda Szubanski’s diagnosis has thrown the spotlight on a rare type of blood cancer. Here’s what you need to know about the disease and its symptoms.
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Beloved Australian TV icon Magda Szubanski has revealed she has been diagnosed with a rare blood cancer, stage four mantle cell lymphoma, at the age of 64.
The much-loved Kath and Kim star, who has been an Aussie TV fan favourite for decades, announced in an emotional video shared to Instagram that she was preparing to begin her treatment to fight the disease.
Here is what you need to know about the disease, its symptoms and treatment.
WHAT IS MANTLE CELL LYMPHOMA?
Mantle cell lymphoma, which is a relatively uncommon type of non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma, is a fast-moving blood cancer that can be aggressive.
It originates in the “mantle zone”, the outer ring of small lymphocytes surrounding the centre of a lymphatic nodule.
HOW RARE IS IT?
According to the Leukaemia Foundation, the disease accounts for approximately 5 per cent to 10 per cent of all non-Hodgkin lymphoma cases.
Non-Hodgkin lymphoma, a cancer of the lymphatic system, is a type of blood cancer that affects white blood cells called lymphocytes.
WHAT IS THE SURVIVAL RATE FOR MANTLE CELL LYMPHOMA?
The five-year survival rate for mantle cell lymphoma is about 50 per cent, meaning around half of those diagnosed are still alive five years after diagnosis.
WHAT IS THE TREATMENT?
Treatment usually includes chemotherapy with a targeted drug and steroids.
WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS?
The most common symptoms are painless swellings in the neck, armpit and groin. Some may experience heavy night sweats, high temperatures and weight loss.
WHAT ARE THE STAGES?
Early stage usually means either stage 1 or stage 2 lymphoma, while advanced stage usually means either stage 3 or stage 4 lymphoma.
Mantle cell lymphoma can grow quickly, meaning it’s often widespread at diagnosis.
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Originally published as Magda Szubanski diagnosed with mantle cell lymphoma: What you must know about disease
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