C84.6: Anaplastic large cell lymphoma, ALK-positive

Anaplastic large cell lymphoma, ALK-positive, is a specific type of non-Hodgkin lymphoma, which is a cancer of the immune system. It begins in the white blood cells (lymphocytes) that are part of the body's immune system. Particularly, ALK-positive means that the lymphoma cells have a change (mutation) in a protein called anaplastic lymphoma kinase (ALK), visible under the microscope, that stimulates the cells to grow and divide abnormally. This mutation is typically the result of a chromosomal change in the lymphoma cells. Clinically, this condition presents with enlarged, painless lymph nodes, fever, night sweats, unexplained weight loss, and fatigue. The disease can involve any area of the body, but it often first appears in the lymph nodes, skin, bones, soft tissues, lungs, or liver. Progression varies between patients and depends largely on individual health factors and the stage of the disease at diagnosis.

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