Lymphomas are cancers of lymphocytes, a type of white blood cell that circulates throughout the lymphatic system. This system of vessels, nodes, and organs helps defend the body against infections. MALT lymphoma is a slow-growing subtype that affects specific immune tissues found in various parts of the body.
Decoding MALT: What it Stands For
MALT stands for Mucosa-Associated Lymphoid Tissue. This tissue is part of the immune system, located within mucous membranes that line internal surfaces like the gastrointestinal tract, respiratory passages, salivary glands, eyes, and thyroid.
MALT acts as a localized defense against pathogens entering through mucosal surfaces. It contains immune cells like B cells, T cells, plasma cells, and macrophages, ready to respond to invaders. This diffused lymphoid tissue comprises over half of the body’s lymphoid tissue.
Understanding MALT Lymphoma
MALT lymphoma is an extranodal marginal zone B-cell lymphoma, a type of non-Hodgkin lymphoma. It originates from B lymphocytes within MALT.
The location where MALT lymphoma develops often dictates its symptoms. The stomach is the most frequently affected site (gastric MALT lymphoma). It can also arise in other MALT-rich areas like the lungs, salivary glands, thyroid gland, skin, and eyes. Symptoms often correspond to the affected organ, such as indigestion or abdominal pain if it develops in the stomach, or a persistent cough if in the lungs.
Associated Factors and Development
The development of MALT lymphoma is frequently linked to chronic inflammation in the affected tissue. A prominent example is the connection between Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection and gastric MALT lymphoma. This bacterium causes long-term stomach lining inflammation, which can lead to uncontrolled B-cell proliferation and lymphoma. Approximately 9 out of 10 individuals with gastric MALT lymphoma test positive for H. pylori.
Autoimmune conditions are also associated with MALT lymphoma, illustrating the role of persistent immune stimulation. For instance, Sjögren’s syndrome, affecting moisture-producing glands, links to MALT lymphoma in the salivary glands. Hashimoto’s thyroiditis, impacting the thyroid, is associated with MALT lymphoma in that gland.
Identification and Management
Diagnosis involves a biopsy of suspicious tissue for microscopic examination to confirm lymphoma cells. Other tools, like endoscopy for gastric involvement or imaging studies, help determine disease extent. These methods provide a comprehensive view of the affected area and potential spread.
Management strategies for MALT lymphoma vary. For gastric MALT lymphoma linked to H. pylori, primary treatment often involves eradicating the bacteria with antibiotics and acid-reducing medication. This approach can lead to complete remission, sometimes taking several months. For MALT lymphomas in other sites or those not responsive to antibiotics, options include watchful waiting, radiation therapy, or chemotherapy, tailored to the situation.