You should have heard by now that Jagbajantis crooner, Olanrewaju Fasasi, aka Sound Sultan, is dead. However, in the event that you are just hearing, our dear Sound Sultan is no more!
He died this morning, aged 44, and left behind a young wife and three children.
The talented artiste who had been battling ill health for quite some time now, according to the family, died from complications arising from angioimmunoblastic T-cell lymphoma, otherwise known as AITL) in medical terms.
Angioimmunoblastic T-cell lymphoma, our investigation revealed, is a rare form of non-Hodgkin lymphoma, which is a group of related malignancies (cancers) that affect the lymphatic system (lymphomas). Lymphomas are cancer of white blood cells (lymphocytes) and can be divided depending on the type of cells, B-lymphocytes (B-cells) or T-lymphocytes (T-cells), AITL is a T-cell lymphoma. The lymphatic system functions as part of the immune system and helps to protect the body against infection and disease. It consists of a network of tubular channels (lymph vessels) that drain a thin watery fluid known as lymph from different areas of the body into the bloodstream.
“Lymph accumulates in the tiny spaces between tissue cells and contains proteins, fats, and certain white blood cells known as lymphocytes. As lymph moves through the lymphatic system, it is filtered by a network of small structures known as lymph nodes that help to remove microorganisms (e.g., viruses, bacteria, etc.) and other foreign bodies. Groups of lymph nodes are located throughout the body, including, but not limited to, the neck, under the arms (axillae), at the elbows, and in the chest, abdomen, and groin.”
On Signs and Symptoms, we learnt that: “The specific symptoms and physical findings may vary from one person to another, depending upon the extent and region(s) of involvement and other factors. The progression is often aggressive, but spontaneous remission has occurred in some people. All organ systems can potentially be affected…”
On Causes, “The exact, underlying cause of AITL is unknown. It is believed that a dysfunctional immune system response to an unknown antigen ultimately leads to the development of the disorder. An antigen is any substance that causes the immune system to produce antibodies. The process through which a dysfunctional or abnormal immune system response ultimately progresses to lymphoma is not fully understood…”
– Culled from National Organization for Rare Disorders (NORD)