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This information is about a type of non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL)| called MALT lymphoma.
Non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL) is a cancer of the lymphatic system|. This is part of the body’s immune system and helps us fight infection. It's made up of organs such as the bone marrow, thymus, spleen and the lymph nodes (or lymph glands). Lymph nodes are connected by a network of tiny lymphatic vessels that contain lymph fluid.
There is also lymphatic tissue in other organs, such as the skin, lungs and stomach.
The lymphatic system
View a large copy of the diagram of the lymphatic system|
There are lymph nodes all over the body. As lymph fluid flows through the lymph nodes, the nodes collect and filter out anything that is harmful or that the body doesn't need. This includes bacteria, viruses, damaged cells and cancer cells.
Lymph fluid contains cells called lymphocytes. These are a type of white blood cell that help the body fight infection and disease. Lymphocytes start to grow in the bone marrow|, which is where blood cells are made. The two main types of lymphocytes are B-cells and T-cells. B-cells mature in the bone marrow while T-cells mature in the thymus gland behind the breast bone. When they're mature, both B-cells and T-cells help fight infections.
Lymphoma is a disease in which either T-cells or B-cells grow in an uncontrolled way.
There are many different types of NHLs. They're grouped (or classified) according to certain characteristics, such as the type of cell involved (B- or T-cell). The most widely used classification system is produced by the World Health Organisation|.
MALT lymphoma is a cancer of the B-cell lymphocytes. It usually affects older people| who are in their 60s.
Most NHLs start in the lymph nodes, but MALT lymphoma starts in a type of lymphatic tissue called mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue (MALT). Mucosa is the name for the tissue that lines some of the organs in the body.
The stomach is the most common area for MALT lymphoma to develop in, but it may also start in other organs such as the lung, thyroid, salivary gland or bowel.
Because MALT lymphoma develops outside the lymph nodes, it's also known as extranodal lymphoma.
MALT lymphomas usually start in areas of the body where there's been an infection or when the person has an auto-immune condition affecting that area.
An auto-immune condition causes the body's immune system to attack body tissue rather than protect it.
Most cases of MALT lymphoma affecting the stomach are linked to infection by a bacteria called Helicobacter pylori (H pylori).
MALT lymphoma of the thyroid gland usually occurs in people with an autoimmune condition called Hashimoto’s thyroiditis.
MALT lymphoma of the salivary glands is more common in people with an auto-immune condition called Sjögren’s syndrome.
The causes of MALT lymphoma in other parts of the body are unknown.
MALT lymphoma is not infectious and cannot be passed on to other people.
The symptoms depend on where in the body the lymphoma started.
MALT lymphoma in the stomach may cause symptoms such as indigestion, loss of appetite, tiredness (fatigue) and weight loss.
If you have digestive symptoms such as feeling sick or pain in the area of your stomach, the doctor will arrange for you to have a flexible tube passed down your gullet and into the stomach (endoscopy). Photographs can then be taken of the stomach and a small sample of cells is taken (biopsy) to be examined under a microscope.
Additional tests - including blood tests, x‑rays, scans and bone marrow samples - are then used to find out more about the lymphoma and how far it has spread in the body. This information is used to help decide which treatment is most appropriate. We have more information about tests for non-Hodgkin lymphoma|.
The stage of MALT lymphoma describes whether it is affecting only one area of the body or has spread to nearby or distant lymph nodes, or to other parts of the body.
In MALT lymphoma of the stomach, the extent of its spread from the lining of the stomach (mucosa) into the layers of the stomach is also measured.
For practical purposes, NHLs are divided into two groups; low-grade and high-grade. Low-grade lymphomas are usually slow-growing and high-grade lymphomas grow more quickly. MALT lymphoma is usually low-grade but it can sometimes change (transform) to high-grade.
The treatment will depend on the type of MALT lymphoma you have and the stage it is at. Most MALT lymphomas are diagnosed at an early stage and treatment, even if the lymphoma has spread, is usually very successful.
If tests show that H pylori is present in the tumour tissue, you will be given a course of intensive antibiotic and anti-acid treatment called triple therapy. This often gets rid of all signs of the lymphoma (known as remission). You'll be followed up closely after this with regular endoscopies and biopsies, usually for the next two years. If you don't have H pylori, or if after triple therapy the lymphoma doesn't go away or comes back, you may be treated with low doses of radiotherapy to the stomach or with chemotherapy tablets.
Sometimes a monoclonal antibody drug called rituximab (Mabthera®)| is used. This may be given with chemotherapy or on its own. Occasionally an operation to remove the stomach may be done.
MALT lymphomas that start in other areas are treated similarly with rituximab, radiotherapy and chemotherapy. Surgery may be used to remove the lymphoma depending on where it is and how widespread it is.
If the lymphoma is growing very slowly and not causing any problems, you may not need any treatment for some time. Your doctor will monitor you closely so that if the lymphoma does start to grow, your treatment will be started.
Chemotherapy| is the use of anti-cancer (cytotoxic) drugs to destroy cancer cells. Chemotherapy can usually be given as a tablet. Chlorambucil| tablets are a commonly used type of chemotherapy. Other drugs that may also be used include cyclophosphamide|, fludaribine| and cladribine|.
Monoclonal antibodies| are drugs that recognise, target and stick to specific proteins on the surface of cancer cells, and can stimulate the body’s immune system to destroy these cells. Rituximab is a monoclonal antibody that is given as a drip into a vein. It can be given with chemotherapy or sometimes on its own to treat MALT lymphoma.
Radiotherapy| uses high-energy rays to destroy cancer cells while doing as little harm as possible to normal cells.
Radiotherapy is an effective treatment for MALT lymphoma of the stomach that hasn't spread to lymph nodes. It can also be used to treat early MALT lymphoma in some other parts of the body.
Sometimes early MALT lymphomas that haven't spread may be removed with surgery|. For MALT lymphomas of the stomach, radiotherapy or chemotherapy are often used to avoid having the stomach removed in surgery.
Steroids| are drugs that are often given with chemotherapy to help treat lymphomas. They also help you feel better and can reduce feelings of sickness (nausea|).
New treatments for MALT lymphoma are being researched all the time. Your doctor may invite you to take part in a clinical trial| to compare a new treatment against the best available standard treatment. They must discuss the treatment with you and have your informed consent before entering you into a trial.
Before any trial is allowed to take place, it must be approved by a research ethics committee, which protects the interests of those taking part.
You may decide not to take part or to withdraw from the trial at any stage. You will then receive the best standard treatment available.
When treatment is over you will have regular check-ups at the hospital.
After triple therapy for MALT lymphomas of the stomach, you will have regular endoscopies and biopsies. These will be done 2-3 months after treatment and then at least twice a year for up to two years.
Other tests| may be used for people whose MALT lymphoma affects other areas.
Everyone has their own way of dealing with their illness and the different emotions| they experience. You may find it helpful to talk things over with family and friends or your doctor or nurse. You can also contact our cancer support specialists| or the organisations listed here for more information and support.
The Lymphoma Association| gives emotional support, advice and information on all aspects of NHL. Has a national network of people with lymphoma and local groups.
This section has been compiled using information from a number of reliable sources, including:
For answers, support or just a chat, call the Macmillan Support Line free (Monday to Friday, 9am-8pm)
If you have any questions about cancer, need support or just want someone to talk to, ask Macmillan.