MALT lymphoma

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

• Non-Hodgkin lymphoma
• Helicobacter pylori
• B-cell lymphoma
• Extranodal marginal zone B-cell lymphoma