What does being diagnosed with malt lymphoma mean?

Malt lymphoma (also known as extranodal marginal zone lymphoma of MALT type) is a rare type of non-Hodgkin lymphoma. It is the most common type of lymphoma that affects the stomach, but it can also occur in other organs, such as the lungs, skin, and thyroid.

Malt lymphoma is a slow-growing cancer, and most people with it have a good chance of survival. The lymphoma is typically treated with chemotherapy, radiation therapy, or a combination of these treatments.

Symptoms

The symptoms of malt lymphoma can vary depending on the location and size of the tumor. Some possible symptoms include:

* Abdominal pain

* Nausea

* Vomiting

* Diarrhea

* Weight loss

* Fatigue

* Night sweats

* Fever

Diagnosis

Malt lymphoma is diagnosed through a combination of tests, including:

* Physical exam

* Blood tests

* Imaging tests (such as CT and MRI)

* Endoscopy

* Biopsy

Treatment

The treatment of malt lymphoma depends on the stage of the cancer and the patient's overall health. Some possible treatment options include:

* Chemotherapy

* Radiation therapy

* Surgery

* Targeted therapy

* Immunotherapy

Outlook

The prognosis for malt lymphoma is generally good. The five-year survival rate for patients with localized malt lymphoma is 95%. The five-year survival rate for patients with advanced malt lymphoma is 70%.