Lymphoma is a cancer of the white blood cells.
Mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue (MALT) lymphoma is an uncommon form ofnon-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL).
Gastric (Stomach) Lymphoma
About one-third to half of MALT lymphomas begin in the stomach.
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These are known as stomach MALT lymphomas or gastric MALT lymphomas.
In about 25% of these cases, the disease that originates in the stomach spreads to other organs.
These cases of MALT lymphomas spread to other organs in about 50% of cases.
In some individuals, this bacterium can also cause MALT lymphomas.
Gastric MALT lymphoma is not unique in this way.
Other types of lymphoma have been linked to infections with certainbacteria, viruses, and parasites.
Risk factors for MALT lymphomas also include infection with Chlamydophilia psittaci, and autoimmune diseases.
MALT lymphomas account for only about 6% of all non-Hodgkin lymphomas.
They are more common in older adults but may occur in individuals in their twenties and thirties.
They are slightly more common in women than in men.
Symptoms of MALT Lymphoma
The symptoms of MALT lymphoma depend on the organ that is affected.
Often, there are no symptoms when the disease originates outside the stomach.
Some people may feel a vague pain in the abdomen.
For MALT lymphomas of the stomach, this usually involves an endoscopy.
Doctors will also test for the presence of theH.
pyloribacteria in the stomach.
This can be done via a blood test, stool test, or breath test.
Staging
Staging of MALT lymphoma requires multiple procedures:
The staging of lymphomasinvolves three separate ratings.
First, MALT lymphomas are classified based on how far spread they are.
Next, the disease is assigned the letter A or B based on symptoms.
Finally, two more letters, E and S, are used.
Treatment: Can MALT Lymphoma Be Cured?
Treatment of MALT lymphomas depends on the organ involved and the stage of diagnosis.
Treatment of MALT lymphomas of the stomach consists of eradicating the infection withH.
This alone is sufficient to eliminate cancer in a large percentage of people.
It may take six months to a year for the infection to be eradicated.
Advanced-Stage Treatment
Chemotherapy may be prescribed for advanced-stage MALT lymphomas or when antibiotic therapy has not helped.
The use ofchemotherapyfor MALT lymphomas has not been studied to the same extent as other lymphomas.
Usually, the choice is for a punch in of chemotherapy that is used for low-grade non-Hodgkin lymphoma.
Chemoimmunotherapymay also be used.
What Is Active Monitoring?
Active monitoring is a watch-and-wait approach in which any lingeringH.
pyloriinfection as well as early or advanced indolent MALT lymphoma is monitored, but no treatments are given.
Healthcare providers may choose this course if watchful waiting will not affect mortality.
It allows you to avoid any side effects of treatment.
Prognosis
MALT lymphomas are low-grade lymphomas.
The 10-year survival rate for those diagnosed with stage IE is more than 99%.Those withH.
pyloribacteria have a better prognosis than those who areH.
In rare instances, MALT lymphomas may turn intoHodgkin lymphoma.
A Word From Verywell
Like any cancer diagnosis, MALT lymphoma is overwhelming.
This slow-growing cancer has a good prognosis, though, and can often be managed or cured.
2022;107(1):35-43. doi:10.3324/haematol.2021.278755
Leukemia and Lymphoma Society.Marginal Zone Lymphoma (MZL).
