Although a diagnosis of Mantle cell lymphoma is rare, it is one of the more serious cancers under the non-Hodgkin's classification. It seems to affect men over the age of sixty more often than women. Unfortunately it can be difficult to treat due to the fact that it generally isn't diagnosed until the later stages. However in recent years there have been great strides in treatment options and the survival rate has continued to rise.Mantle Cell Lymphoma SymptomsMany patients who have been diagnosed with this disease have frequent and heavy night sweats along with weight loss, nausea and a general feeling of being tired. Nausea and diarrhea are also symptoms. Some patients report a small bump in areas that are concentrated with lymph nodes, including the groin, neck and armpits.Diagnosis and TreatmentA biopsy of a lymph node is the best way to make the official diagnosis of mantle cell lymphoma. Doctors will also use tests such as PET scans and CT scans to see if there are visible tumors in the body. Sometimes an endoscopy or lumbar puncture might also be used as diagnostic tools. Because this disease travels through the lymph system and the blood, it can settle in the bone marrow and digestive tract. This means that certain areas such as the colon and the liver can be particularly vulnerable to this type of cancer.Treatment of mantle cell lymphoma, just like treatment of many other diseases, is most successful when caught early. Traditional routes such as chemotherapy are often used, as are bone marrow transplants and immunotherapy. The practice of medicine is ever evolving and there have been years of constant research on the disease and how to treat it. As a result of that dedication by doctors and researchers, there are more treatment options and better outcomes today more than ever.Although a diagnosis of mantle cell lymphoma is serious, there are a number of clinical trials and ongoing research options that some patients may qualify for. These trials are instrumental in bringing about the best treatment options for people diagnosed with this rare form of cancer.