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What Is Malt Lymphoma?

MALT lymphoma stands for Mucosal-Associated Lymphoid Tissue lymphoma. It is a cancerous disease that typically begins in the stomach. Symptoms of MALT lymphoma are generally mild in their early stages, but may progress in severity as the cancer spreads to other portions of the body. Treatment usually involves heavy doses of antibiotics that may be followed by steroids, chemotherapy or surgery.

  1. Significance

    • MALT lymphoma is a rare, slow-growing form of cancer that results from a mutation of B-cells (a type of white blood cell that produces antibodies to fight infection). It is a form of non-Hodgkin's lymphoma. It is classified as a low-grade or indolent type of cancer, which means it generally has a better prognosis than other cancers.

    Location

    • MALT lymphoma only attacks the mucosal tissues of the body (those involved in the production of antibodies). It most often occurs in the stomach but may spread to the salivary glands, lungs, eyes, intestines and thyroid. Unlike many other cancers, MALT lymphoma does not begin in the lymph nodes. It typically infects the internal organs and may spread to other tissues of the body if treatment is not obtained.

    Symptoms

    • Because MALT lymphoma affects the stomach, symptoms are primarily associated with gastrointestinal complications. In fact, two out of every three cases of MALT lymphoma affect the gastrointestinal organs. Symptoms include bleeding in the stomach, stomach pain, indigestion, night sweats, fever and weight loss. Fatigue and loss of appetite are also common symptoms.

    Diagnosis

    • MALT lymphoma is typically diagnosed through an endoscopy. In this procedure, a long flexible tube is inserted through the mouth and into the stomach. A small camera and lighting apparatus are attached to the tube and allow a doctor to obtain a visual image of the stomach's interior. A doctor may then be able to determine the presence of MALT lymphoma from any damaged tissue present. Chest x-rays, CT scans and ultrasounds are a few non-invasive procedures used to detect MALT lymphoma. A proper diagnosis may also include invasive procedures like blood tests and bone marrow biopsies, which allow the doctor to observe damaged tissue externally.

    Treatment

    • MALT lymphoma is most often caused by bacteria known as Helicobacter pylori or H. pylori -- the same bacteria that cause stomach ulcers. Therefore, MALT lymphoma in the stomach is treated with heavy antibiotics during its initial stages. Sometimes, a removal of H. pylori from the body will cause MALT lymphoma to go into remission. In cases where MALT lymphoma moves into the intestines or lungs, more potent methods of treatment must be utilized. These methods include chemotherapy, steroid therapy and surgery.

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