MALT Lymphoma : Introduction
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Introduction: Extranodal marginal zone lymphomas involve mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue (MALT) and are often referred to as MALT lymphomas. The term "marginal zone lymphoma" refers to the fact that they are derived from post-germinal center memory B cells that normally reside in the marginal zone of lymphoid tissues. They are indolent, low-grade B-cell tumors that remain localized for prolonged periods of time. MALT lymphomas make up 7-8% of all B-cell lymphomas. They account for about 50% of all gastric lymphomas.
As shown here, they are composed of a B-cell population of marginal zone (centrocyte-like) cells, cells resembling monocytoid B-cells, and small lymphocytes along with scattered immunoblasts and centroblast-like cells. Many cases show plasmacytic differentiation. The neoplastic cells infiltrate into the nearby epithelium creating lymphoepithelial lesions.
As shown here, they are composed of a B-cell population of marginal zone (centrocyte-like) cells, cells resembling monocytoid B-cells, and small lymphocytes along with scattered immunoblasts and centroblast-like cells. Many cases show plasmacytic differentiation. The neoplastic cells infiltrate into the nearby epithelium creating lymphoepithelial lesions.