it is essential that the pathologist determine whether or not the lymphoma has grown beyond the borders of the mucosa, which lines the stomach or other gland.
it is standard practice that patients presenting with MALT lymphomas should be evaluated in a similar manner to individuals with nodal lymphomas, the more common type of lymphoma that originates at sites within the lymphoid system.
The plural of lymphoma is lymphomas.
Blood tests will determine the cell counts and obtain information on how well the organs, such as the kidney and liver, are functioning.
The exact cause of non-Hodgkin's lymphomas is not known.
Bone marrow transplantation is used in cases where the lymphomas do not respond to conventional therapy, or in cases where the patient has had a relapse or suffers from recurrent lymphomas.
Enlargement of the lymph nodes, liver, or spleen may suggest lymphomas.
A majority of non-Hodgkin's lymphomas begin in the lymph nodes.
MALT lymphomas occur at a frequency of about 1.5 per 100,000 people per year in the United States and account for about 10% of all non-Hodgkin's lymphomas.
B cell lymphomas are more common among adults, while among children, the incidence of T and B cell lymphomas are almost equal.
MALT lymphomas are generally indolent, that is, they grow slowly and cause little in the way of symptoms.
It is not known if infectious agents also cause MALT lymphomas outside of the stomach.
MALT lymphomas are then recognized as areas of inflammation or ulceration within the stomach.