CD19 (Pan B-Cell Marker)

The CD19 (Cluster of Differentiation 19) test is a laboratory test used to measure the levels of a protein called CD19 on the surface of B-cells, a type of white blood cell. The protein plays a key role in the immune system. CD19 is a pan B-cell marker, meaning that it is present on the surface of all B-cells, including normal, abnormal, and malignant B-cells.

The CD19 test is often used in the diagnosis and monitoring of various diseases, such as B-cell lymphomas, leukemias, and autoimmune disorders. B-cell lymphoma is a type of cancer that affects the lymphocytes or white blood cells (WBCs). There are two primary types of Lymphocytes, out of which the B-type cells affect the disease growth. These cells are responsible for producing antibodies to ward off germs and infections. The lymphatic system distributes it throughout the body, keeping you safe from ailments.

In case you have B-cell lymphoma, your body overproduces these B cells and negatively impacts your entire lymphatic system. These B-cells then further transform into cancer cells and compromise your immune system as a whole. These cells then duplicate till they are strong enough to overthrow your immune system ultimately. As a result, you will start experiencing the following symptoms:

• Skin lumps 
• Painless swelling of lymph nodes 
• Loss of appetite 
• Night sweats 
• Stomach pain 
• Itchy skin 
• Enlargement of liver or spleen 
• Cough or chest pain 
• Persistent fatigue 
• Rashes 
• Fever

Although B-cell lymphoma has been around for a while, its cause is still unknown. At times, doctors cannot trace the conversion of healthy B-cells to deadly cancer cells. However, comprehensive studies have allowed doctors to zero in on some activities or conditions that might cause B-cell lymphoma. They are as follows:

• Obesity 
• Viruses such as Kaposi sarcoma human immunodeficiency virus, Epstein-Barr, HIV, etc.
• Family history of B-cell lymphoma

Furthermore, there are over 70 strains of the above ailment. They differ based on how the cancer cells mutate. To give you a better idea, here are the several notable strains of B-cell lymphoma:

• Follicular Lymphoma
• Lymphoplasmacytic Lymphoma 
• Mantle cell lymphoma
• Diffuse large B-cell lymphoma 
• Marginal zone lymphomas
• Burkitt lymphoma 
• Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia

If you start experiencing any of the above symptoms, get the CD19 (Pan B-Cell Marker) Test done as soon as possible. You can also order it from Apollo 24|7’s website. If the test results are positive, it is better to start Lymphoma treatment without delay.

There are several ways to treat the disease. They are as follows:

• Radiation therapy 
• Stem cell transplantation
• Immunotherapy 
• Chemotherapy 
• Targeted therapy

 The only way you can get ahead of the disease is by treating it in a timely manner. Since the cause of the disease is still unknown, you have to start gauging the risk factors and symptoms. If you fall under any of the following risk categories, you must get yourself checked for Lymphoma as soon as possible.

• If you are 60 years or older
• If you are a male 
• If you consume medicines that can weaken your immune system
• If you have come in contact with pesticides
• If you have been diagnosed with an inherited condition that weakens your immune system
   

Frequently asked questions

Are there any risks associated with the CD79A (B Lymphoid Cell Marker) Test?

No, there are no such risks associated with the above test. The most that could happen is some light bruising or bleeding around the area where the needle has pierced your skin.

Does B-cell lymphoma ever completely leave your body?

No, you can never completely be cured of B-cell lymphoma. So, you need to take proper care and get regular checkups done to gauge the condition of your ailment. You need to take the CD79A Test regularly to ensure that the Lymphoma doesn't grow back. You can only use "cured" to refer to people who have been in remission for more than five years now.

Is fasting required for the CD79A Test?

No, the CD79A Test needs no such preparation beforehand. You don’t have to fast before taking the test.

How can you tell if the Lymphoma has spread throughout your body?

The following symptoms can explain the onset of advanced Lymphoma: Fatigue  Chest pain  Shortness of breath  Loss of appetite Chills  Enlarged lymph nodes  Persistent cough These symptoms start to show up once the cancer has crossed the boundaries of your lymphatic system and is now attacking your liver, lungs, spinal cord, etc.

What complications entail the final stages of B-cell lymphoma?

The final stage of the above ailment approaches when the cancer moves out of your Lymphatic system and starts attacking your organs (lungs, bone marrow, liver, etc.). This is called Advanced Lymphoma and is quite deadly.

Which part of the human body does B-cell lymphoma start from?

Generally, the above ailment will originate in your lymph nodes. But in some cases, the disease can attack other parts of your immune system, such as the bone marrow or spleen. If left untreated, the cancer will then spread to other organs.