Marginal zone B-cell lymphoma (MALT lymphoma)

Opinion statement The preferred terminology for mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue (MALT) lymphoma of the stomach (variously referred to as MALT lymphoma, MALToma, low-grade MALToma, or pseudolymphoma) is marginal zone B-cell lymphoma (MZBL). MZBL, the hallmark of which is the lymphoepithelial lesion, develops as a consequence of Helicobacter pylori infection in susceptible individuals. In general, MZBL is slow growing, can remain localized for years, and has an excellent prognosis. Staging involves endoscopy with biopsy, computed tomography scanning, and endoscopic ultrasound. In patients with limited disease, eradication of H. pylori leads to remission. In patients who fail eradication therapy or have more extensive disease, surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation alone and in various combinations have been used successfully.