MALT lymphoma: Difference between revisions

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'''MALT lymphoma''' is a form of [[lymphoma]] involving the [[mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue]] (MALT), also called extranodal marginal zone B cell lymphoma. It is a type of [[non-Hodgkin's lymphoma]] and accounts for 8% of all lymphomas. MALT lymphomas can occur in various parts of the body, but they are most commonly found in the [[stomach]].
{{Short description|A type of cancer affecting the mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue}}


==Etiology==
== Overview ==
The cause of MALT lymphoma is not well understood. However, it is known that chronic inflammation can lead to the development of MALT lymphoma. For example, infection with the bacterium [[Helicobacter pylori]] can cause chronic inflammation in the stomach, which can lead to MALT lymphoma.
[[File:Gastric_MALT_lymphoma_2.jpg|thumb|right|Gastric MALT lymphoma as seen in an endoscopic image.]]
'''MALT lymphoma''' (Mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue lymphoma) is a type of [[non-Hodgkin lymphoma]] that arises from the [[lymphoid tissue]] associated with the mucosal surfaces of various organs. It is a subtype of [[extranodal marginal zone B-cell lymphoma]] and is most commonly found in the [[stomach]], but can also occur in the [[salivary glands]], [[thyroid gland]], [[lung]], and other sites.


==Symptoms==
== Pathophysiology ==
The symptoms of MALT lymphoma vary depending on the location of the lymphoma. In the stomach, symptoms may include [[abdominal pain]], [[nausea]], and [[vomiting]]. In the lungs, symptoms may include [[cough]], [[shortness of breath]], and [[chest pain]].
MALT lymphoma is characterized by the proliferation of [[B-cells]] in the mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue. It is often associated with chronic inflammatory conditions, such as [[Helicobacter pylori]] infection in the stomach, which can lead to the development of gastric MALT lymphoma. The chronic inflammation is thought to stimulate the proliferation of lymphoid tissue, which can eventually transform into a malignant lymphoma.


==Diagnosis==
== Clinical Presentation ==
The diagnosis of MALT lymphoma is usually made by [[biopsy]] of the affected tissue. The biopsy sample is examined under a microscope to look for the presence of cancer cells. Other tests, such as [[imaging studies]] and [[blood tests]], may also be used to help make the diagnosis.
Patients with MALT lymphoma may present with a variety of symptoms depending on the site of involvement. Gastric MALT lymphoma often presents with symptoms similar to [[peptic ulcer disease]], such as [[abdominal pain]], [[nausea]], and [[vomiting]]. In some cases, patients may be asymptomatic and the lymphoma is discovered incidentally during endoscopic examination.


==Treatment==
== Diagnosis ==
The treatment of MALT lymphoma depends on the location and stage of the lymphoma. Treatment options may include [[surgery]], [[radiation therapy]], [[chemotherapy]], and [[immunotherapy]]. In some cases, treatment of the underlying cause of the inflammation, such as eradication of Helicobacter pylori infection, can lead to regression of the lymphoma.
The diagnosis of MALT lymphoma is typically made through a combination of [[endoscopy]], [[biopsy]], and histopathological examination. In the case of gastric MALT lymphoma, endoscopic examination may reveal lesions or ulcerations in the gastric mucosa. Biopsy samples are examined for the presence of atypical lymphoid infiltrates and specific immunohistochemical markers that are characteristic of MALT lymphoma.


==Prognosis==
== Treatment ==
The prognosis for MALT lymphoma is generally good, with a high rate of long-term survival. However, the prognosis can vary depending on the location and stage of the lymphoma, as well as the patient's overall health.
The treatment of MALT lymphoma depends on the site and stage of the disease. For gastric MALT lymphoma associated with Helicobacter pylori infection, [[antibiotic therapy]] to eradicate the infection can lead to regression of the lymphoma in many cases. In cases where the lymphoma does not respond to antibiotic therapy or is not associated with Helicobacter pylori, other treatments such as [[radiation therapy]], [[chemotherapy]], or [[immunotherapy]] may be used.
 
== Prognosis ==
The prognosis for patients with MALT lymphoma is generally favorable, especially for those with localized disease that can be treated effectively. The overall survival rate is high, and many patients achieve long-term remission. However, the prognosis can vary depending on the site of the lymphoma and the presence of any underlying conditions.
 
== Related pages ==
* [[Non-Hodgkin lymphoma]]
* [[Helicobacter pylori]]
* [[B-cell lymphoma]]
* [[Extranodal marginal zone B-cell lymphoma]]


[[Category:Lymphoma]]
[[Category:Lymphoma]]
[[Category:Non-Hodgkin's lymphoma]]
[[Category:Stomach disorders]]
[[Category:Oncology]]
 
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Revision as of 11:16, 15 February 2025

A type of cancer affecting the mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue


Overview

Gastric MALT lymphoma as seen in an endoscopic image.

MALT lymphoma (Mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue lymphoma) is a type of non-Hodgkin lymphoma that arises from the lymphoid tissue associated with the mucosal surfaces of various organs. It is a subtype of extranodal marginal zone B-cell lymphoma and is most commonly found in the stomach, but can also occur in the salivary glands, thyroid gland, lung, and other sites.

Pathophysiology

MALT lymphoma is characterized by the proliferation of B-cells in the mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue. It is often associated with chronic inflammatory conditions, such as Helicobacter pylori infection in the stomach, which can lead to the development of gastric MALT lymphoma. The chronic inflammation is thought to stimulate the proliferation of lymphoid tissue, which can eventually transform into a malignant lymphoma.

Clinical Presentation

Patients with MALT lymphoma may present with a variety of symptoms depending on the site of involvement. Gastric MALT lymphoma often presents with symptoms similar to peptic ulcer disease, such as abdominal pain, nausea, and vomiting. In some cases, patients may be asymptomatic and the lymphoma is discovered incidentally during endoscopic examination.

Diagnosis

The diagnosis of MALT lymphoma is typically made through a combination of endoscopy, biopsy, and histopathological examination. In the case of gastric MALT lymphoma, endoscopic examination may reveal lesions or ulcerations in the gastric mucosa. Biopsy samples are examined for the presence of atypical lymphoid infiltrates and specific immunohistochemical markers that are characteristic of MALT lymphoma.

Treatment

The treatment of MALT lymphoma depends on the site and stage of the disease. For gastric MALT lymphoma associated with Helicobacter pylori infection, antibiotic therapy to eradicate the infection can lead to regression of the lymphoma in many cases. In cases where the lymphoma does not respond to antibiotic therapy or is not associated with Helicobacter pylori, other treatments such as radiation therapy, chemotherapy, or immunotherapy may be used.

Prognosis

The prognosis for patients with MALT lymphoma is generally favorable, especially for those with localized disease that can be treated effectively. The overall survival rate is high, and many patients achieve long-term remission. However, the prognosis can vary depending on the site of the lymphoma and the presence of any underlying conditions.

Related pages