Marginal Zone Lymphoma
Indolent B-cell lymphomas of MALT, splenic, and nodal origin
Notice: This content is currently available only in Turkish. We are progressively translating our 5000+ health guide articles into English and Arabic. View Turkish content
This content has been compiled by the Saygı Hospital Health Guide Editorial Board and is periodically reviewed by a specialist physician.
This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. You can book an appointment at our Hematoloji department. Book Appointment →
What is Marginal Zone Lymphoma?
Marginal zone lymphomas account for approximately 8-10% of non-Hodgkin lymphomas with three main subtypes: extranodal MZL of mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue (MALT lymphoma, 50-70% of MZLs), splenic MZL (20%), and nodal MZL (10%). Pathogenesis involves chronic antigen stimulation from infection (Helicobacter pylori in gastric MALT, Borrelia burgdorferi in cutaneous MALT, Chlamydia psittaci in ocular adnexal MALT, hepatitis C in splenic MZL) or autoimmune disorders (Sjögren's, Hashimoto's), leading to monoclonal B-cell expansion with characteristic chromosomal translocations.
Clinical features depend on subtype: extranodal MALT presents with site-specific symptoms (gastric pain and dyspepsia, salivary gland swelling, ocular adnexal mass, cutaneous lesions, pulmonary nodules), splenic MZL with splenomegaly, lymphocytosis, autoimmune cytopenias, and constitutional symptoms, and nodal MZL with painless lymphadenopathy. Diagnosis requires tissue biopsy with immunohistochemistry (CD20+, CD5-, CD10-, BCL2+, IgM+), flow cytometry, and molecular studies for translocations (t(11;18), t(1;14), t(14;18)).
Staging includes CT or PET-CT, bone marrow biopsy, complete blood count, comprehensive metabolic panel, lactate dehydrogenase, beta-2-microglobulin, and serum protein electrophoresis. Helicobacter pylori testing for gastric MALT. Treatment varies by subtype: localized gastric MALT often responds to H. pylori eradication alone (60-80% remission), other localized cases benefit from radiation or surgery, advanced stage disease treated with rituximab monotherapy or with chemotherapy (R-bendamustine, R-CHOP), and watchful waiting for asymptomatic indolent disease. Prognosis is excellent with 10-year overall survival 80-90%.
Symptoms
Risk Factors
When to See a Doctor?
If you experience any of the following symptoms, seek medical attention promptly:
- Persistent lymphadenopathy
- Splenomegaly with constitutional symptoms
- Refractory gastric symptoms despite treatment
- Recurrent dyspepsia with weight loss
- Salivary gland enlargement
- Ocular adnexal mass
- Persistent skin lesions
- Lymphocytosis on routine blood work
- Autoimmune cytopenias
- Hepatitis C with new symptoms
- Sjögren's syndrome with new mass
- Hashimoto's thyroiditis with thyroid nodule
- Family history of lymphoma with concerning symptoms
- Treatment-related complications
Treatment Methods
Which Department to Visit?
You can visit our Hematoloji department for these complaints. Our specialist physicians will create the most suitable treatment plan for you.
Learn About Hematoloji DepartmentLet us help you
You can make an appointment with our specialists or contact us for your concerns.
Related Health Topics
Other articles from the same department you may want to explore.
Anaemia
Dahiliye (İç Hastalıkları)
Anaemia is a low haemoglobin level that reduces oxygen delivery, causing fatigue, pallor, and shortness of breath. It is not a disease itself but a sign of many underlying conditions. Most cases are correctable with appropriate diagnosis and treatment.
Iron Deficiency Anaemia
Dahiliye (İç Hastalıkları)
Iron deficiency anaemia develops when dietary intake, absorption, or losses create an iron shortfall, most often affecting women and children. Identifying the underlying cause is the core of management, alongside iron replacement.
Vitamin B12 Deficiency
Dahiliye (İç Hastalıkları)
Vitamin B12 deficiency can cause megaloblastic anaemia, neurological symptoms, and cognitive impairment. Early treatment with intramuscular or oral B12 largely prevents irreversible complications.
Hypertension (High Blood Pressure) Management
Dahiliye (İç Hastalıkları)
Hypertension is often called the silent killer because it progresses symptom-free for years and can damage the heart, brain, kidneys, and eyes. Regular monitoring, lifestyle change, and evidence-based drug therapy dramatically reduce cardiovascular risk.
Chronic Kidney Disease
Dahiliye (İç Hastalıkları)
Chronic kidney disease is one of the most common complications of chronic conditions such as diabetes and hypertension, and can be silent in its early stages.
Hepatitis B (HBV)
Dahiliye (İç Hastalıkları)
Hepatitis B is a DNA virus infection causing acute and chronic hepatitis with risk of cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma; diagnosis integrates HBsAg, HBeAg, anti-HBc, and HBV DNA with management based on disease phase using nucleos(t)ide analogues (entecavir, tenofovir) and universal infant vaccination.
Hepatitis C (HCV)
Dahiliye (İç Hastalıkları)
Hepatitis C is an RNA virus causing chronic hepatitis that may progress to cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma; modern direct-acting antiviral (DAA) pangenotypic regimens (sofosbuvir/velpatasvir, glecaprevir/pibrentasvir) achieve sustained virologic response over 95% in 8–12 weeks with universal adult screening and cure for nearly all patients.
Fatty Liver Disease
Dahiliye (İç Hastalıkları)
Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is closely related to obesity and metabolic syndrome and is largely reversible with early treatment.
Health Disclaimer: The information on this page is prepared for general informational purposes only. It does not replace medical diagnosis and treatment. Please consult your physician for your complaints. Saygı Hospital does not accept responsibility for actions taken based on the information on this page.