Healthcare with Confidence
What Is MALT Lymphoma?
MALT lymphoma, or mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue lymphoma, is a slow-growing form of non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma (NHL). It accounts for about 8% of all NHL cases, making it the third most common subtype worldwide.
This disease develops from B-lymphocytes — immune cells that normally protect the body against infections — and usually remains localized for a long time at its site of origin before spreading.
Who Is Affected
MALT lymphoma can appear at any age, but it most commonly affects people over 60.
Women are diagnosed slightly more often than men.
The most frequent location of this lymphoma is the stomach, but it can also develop in:
- Lungs
- Thyroid gland
- Salivary and lacrimal glands
- Skin
- Bowel or bladder
Causes and Risk Factors
Many patients with gastric MALT lymphoma are found to have infection with Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) — a bacterium that causes chronic stomach inflammation and ulcers.
In fact, this infection is considered one of the most significant triggers of stomach MALT lymphoma.
Other possible causes or associated factors include:
- Chronic infections caused by bacteria or viruses
- Autoimmune diseases, such as:
- Hashimoto’s thyroiditis (can lead to thyroid lymphoma)
- Sjögren’s syndrome (associated with lymphoma of the salivary or lacrimal glands)
There is no evidence that MALT lymphoma is hereditary or caused by diet, radiation, or environmental exposure.
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Diagnosis of MALT Lymphoma in Israel
Israeli hematologists and oncologists use modern diagnostic technologies to confirm the presence and stage of MALT lymphoma.
Diagnostic tests may include:
- Endoscopy and biopsy (for gastric cases)
- Histopathological and immunohistochemical analysis
- Blood tests and tumor marker evaluation
- PET-CT or CT scan to determine disease spread
- H. pylori testing (breath test, stool antigen test, or biopsy sample)
Once diagnosis is confirmed, a multidisciplinary team develops an individualized treatment plan.
Treatment of MALT Lymphoma in Israel
Treatment depends on the disease stage, location, infection status, and overall condition of the patient.
In Israel, treatment is performed under the supervision of experienced hematologists and oncologists specializing in lymphatic cancers.
1. Antibiotic Therapy for H. pylori Infection
In patients with gastric MALT lymphoma linked to H. pylori, antibiotic treatment alone can lead to complete remission in many cases.
This approach aims to eradicate the infection and often results in long-term control of the lymphoma without the need for chemotherapy.
2. “Watchful Waiting” (Active Surveillance)
If the lymphoma is slow-growing and not progressing, doctors may recommend close monitoring without immediate treatment.
Regular follow-ups with endoscopy, imaging, and blood tests allow early intervention if the disease changes.
3. Radiotherapy
For localized disease not responding to antibiotics, precise radiation therapy can effectively eliminate lymphoma cells with minimal damage to surrounding tissues.
4. Systemic Treatment
In advanced stages (Stage III–IV) or when the disease spreads beyond the stomach, doctors may prescribe:
- Chemotherapy
- Targeted therapy (e.g., rituximab – a monoclonal antibody targeting B cells)
- Immunotherapy (new biological drugs enhancing immune response against cancer)
These treatments are often well-tolerated and can achieve long-lasting remission.
Prognosis
MALT lymphoma generally has an excellent prognosis.
Because it grows slowly and often remains localized, most patients respond well to antibiotic therapy or radiotherapy and can live many years in remission.
Regular medical follow-up ensures that any recurrence or progression is detected early.
