Mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue (MALT) lymphoma

Question 1

What is it?

Answer 1

Mucosa associated lymphoid tissue (MALT) lymphoma is a rare low grade non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma that usually presents in the stomach, but can present elsewhere

Question 2

Pathology

Association

Answer 2

It develops from B lymphocytes in the marginal zone.

It is strongly associated with H. Pylori infection and chronic inflammation and autoimmune conditions are risk factors.

Question 3

Clinical features

Answer 3

abdominal pain

nausea and vomiting

symptoms of anaemia

weight loss

Question 4

Management

Answer 4

initial treatment for local and disseminated disease is H. Pylori eradication therapy (amoxicillin + clarithromycin + omeprazole)

If this fails to eradicate the disease, however, other treatment options are chemotherapy and radiotherapy
(Including if H pylori negative)

chemotherapy and rituximab is recommended if there is a threat to vital organ function

If not watch and wait is possible