£
Donate
Search
Donate

We're here for you if you want to talk

0808 2080 888

[email protected]

Diffuse large B cell lymphoma (DLBCL)

We're here for you if you want to talk

0808 2080 888

[email protected]

This information is for people diagnosed with diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL). It is also relevant for people with these other high grade non-Hodgkin lymphomas:

  • double and triple hit lymphoma
  • EBV positive DLBCL
  • high grade B-cell lymphoma (HGBL) NOS
  • HIV related DLBCL
  • intravascular large B-cell lymphoma
  • primary mediastinal B-cell lymphoma (PMBCL)
  • T-cell/histocyte rich large B-cell lymphoma
A man looking away from the camera, deep in thought

What is DLBCL?

Diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) is a high grade non-Hodgkin lymphoma. Find out what these terms mean and how DLBCL affects your blood and lymphatic system.
A man sitting in his garden at a table reading a booklet about blood cancer, looking focused but although his thoughts are elsewhere.

Other high grade non-Hodgkin lymphomas

There are other types of non-Hodgkin lymphoma and some are treated in a similar way to DLBCL. This page explains what these conditions are which information to read.
Jess at the top of a mountain with her partner and friends.

Prognosis for DLBCL

You can read about what might affect your prognosis here, but remember that your situation is personal to you. Ask your hospital team when you are ready for more specific information.
Woman lying on sofa looking tired.

Symptoms of DLBCL

There's a range of symptoms you may have if you have DLBCL. Learn about the most common ones including swollen lymph nodes and B symptoms, and what these mean for you.
Back shot of a researcher in a lab looking closely at test tubes in their hand.

Diagnosis and staging

Tests to diagnose the DLBCL include blood tests, a lymph node biopsy and scans. You'll need further tests to stage the lymphoma, which helps with treatment decisions.
A man having chemotherapy in hospital

DLBCL treatment and side effects

Read about the aims of treatment, treatments that are currently available, possible side effects and what happens when treatment is finished.
A man stands outside a brick house with a garage door in the background and a plant in the foreground.

Life after DLBCL

When treatment is over and you are in remission, you can think about getting your life back on track. Find out what happens after treatment and what helps with your recovery.
A family preparing a meal together

Supporting a loved one

A blood cancer diagnosis affects family and friends as well as the person who's been diagnosed. Find out how to support a loved one with DLBCL, while taking care of yourself.

This information about DLBCL has been accredited with the PIF TICK, the UK's only quality mark for trusted health information.

Last full review December 2024. Next full review due December 2027. We make factual updates to the information throughout this period.

We would like to thank Advanced Nurse Practitioner Karen Stanley and Consultant Haematologists Dr William Townsend and Dr Matthew Wilson for checking the clinical accuracy of this information. Thanks also to Clinical Nurse Specialist Yasmin Al-Azzawi for her guidance and support in the early stages of this project.