Mantle cell is a rare type of lymphoma that accounts for about 1 in 20 cases of non-Hodgkin lymphomas and about 3300 people are diagnosed in the United States per year. It is a cancer of the B-lymphocytes in the portion of lymph nodes called the mantle zone or outer edge of the lymph node. There are different patterns of mantle cell lymphoma that can be seen under the microscope: mantle zone, nodular, diffuse and blastic. The mantle zone type may be slow growing and very responsive to standard chemotherapy, unlike the other types. This type of lymphoma frequently spreads to the bone marrow and is not as responsive to chemotherapy as other types of lymphomas. Mantle cell lymphoma can occur at any age from the late 30's to old age, but is more common in people over 50. It is three times more common in men than in women.

The first signs of this disease is often painless swelling in the neck, armpit or groin, caused by enlarged lymph nodes. Often more than one group of nodes is affected. The lymphoma may spread to various organs in the body such as bone marrow, liver or spleen. About 1 in 4 people will have the disease also appear in the stomach or bowel. Some other symptoms include loss of appetite, tiredness, night sweats, unexplained high temperatures and weight loss.

Diagnosis is made by removing an enlarged lymph node and having it biopsied. Additional tests such as x-rays, scans and bone marrow samples are used to get more information about the type of lymphoma and how far it has spread within the body. This information is helpful in deciding what treatment is most appropriate.

A new urine test can tell the difference between an enlarged prostate or prostate cancer. This test from Gen-Probe is not approved in the United States but is approved in some European countries.

If a man has a noncancerous condition of the prostate a PSA (prostate-specific antigen) tumor marker test can rise. This rise in the PSA test can lead to a biopsy of the prostate. This biopsy is the only way to determine if the PSA test is picking up a cancer or an enlarged prostate that is not cancer.

The urine test is different because it detects genetic material--RNA--from prostate cancer gene 3 or PCA3. PCA3 is only found in the prostate and when the cells become cancerous the cells express more PCA3 RNA than normal cells. It is independent of the PSA test and works differently to detect cancer.

This test is not designed to replace the current PSA tumor marker but it can do something that the PSA cannot. It can be a separate tool used to determine if cancer does exist. Its not a perfect test but it can help out a few situations. If a man has a low PSA but wants some extra reassurance without getting a biopsy this test could be added along with the PSA. Also, it can help men that have a negative biopsy but a rising PSA decide whether they would like a second biopsy.

Urine tests are already used to detect bladder cancers and some kidney cancers so this test could provide the patient and the doctors with more information and better decision making tools.

No one is suggesting that men start taking aspirin for prostate health if they are not already taking aspirin or other nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) for other reasons. However, Mayo Clinic researchers do say that men who are already taking a daily dose of aspirin might be enjoying a better level of prostate health. According to researchers, aspirin seems to prevent or delay an enlarged prostate that can lead to urinary difficulties such as frequent urination, trouble urinating, weak urine stream and an urgent need to urinate.

While the researchers cannot state why NSAIDs benefit prostate health for benign prostatic hyperplasia, previous research has indicated aspirin provides certain prostate cancer prevention benefits. Many older adults already take aspirin, or other NSAIDs, for heart health and arthritis, and taking aspirin now appears to offer another added benefit in prostate health for men. Aspirin is not without its downside. Researchers do warn that taking aspirin can lead to stomach ulcers. As with any drug, one has to weigh the risk against the benefit.

I was examined yesterday by my radiation oncologist and two medical students during a six-month follow-up appointment. And any apprehension I had prior to the visit -- about a recurrence of breast cancer or the detection of cancer somewhere else in my body -- is gone. Because I walked away with the news that I am doing just fine. No lumps or bumps or suspicious masses were found. No enlarged lymph nodes were detected. And since I did not report any pain or tenderness or sensitivity or other trouble, I was sent on my way with nothing more than a notice for a return appointment in another six months. I have other appointments hanging in the balance -- one with my medical oncologist in August and a mammogram in November -- and I am sure hesitation and worry will again sneak into my head. But for now, I can only feel the true exhilaration that comes from truly good news. Like the exhilaration that comes from a breathtaking moment at the ocean -- where the power and beauty of the sea and the sky and the sand is all it takes for one five-year-old boy to feel amazingly free.