Importance of extensive staging in patients with mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue (MALT)-type lymphoma

Leukemic-phase mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue lymphoma

A 78-year-old man presenting with leukocytosis was admitted to our hospital. The patient was asymptomatic and showed no lymphadenopathy. Peripheral blood flow cytometry revealed a leukemic-phase B-cell lymphoma with medium-to-large abnormal cells with reticulum. Positron emission tomography/computed tomography revealed abnormal uptake in the right orbit, bone marrow, and spleen. We performed immunological staining and fluorescence in situ hybridization on tissues extracted from the right orbit and bone marrow, which led to the diagnosis of mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue (MALT) lymphoma. Polymerase chain reaction analysis of immunoglobulin heavy chain rearrangements in the right orbital mass and bone marrow suggested that they were identical clones. Based on these collective findings, the diagnosis of leukemic-phase MALT lymphoma was confirmed, with sites of involvement including the bone marrow, peripheral blood, right orbit, and spleen. This is a highly rare case of leukemic MALT lymphoma.

Mucosa-Associated Lymphoid Tissue Lymphoma of the Ascending Colon Successfully Removed With Endoscopic Submucosal Dissection

Mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue (MALT) lymphoma is a type of non-Hodgkin lymphoma with characteristic histopathological features and can occur in various extranodal sites, including the gastrointestinal tract. While gastric MALT lymphoma has been extensively researched, primary lymphoma presentation in the colorectal mucosa is rare and lacks any association with Helicobacter pylori infection. Furthermore, there are currently no standardized treatment guidelines for this condition. This report presents a rare case of primary MALT lymphoma that manifested as a broad-based polyp. The diagnosis was confirmed through histopathological and immunohistochemical examination, and the polyp was resected endoscopically with the endoscopic submucosal dissection technique.

Orbital extranodal marginal zone lymphoma arising during pregnancy: a case report

A 37-year-old, previously healthy woman presented during her first trimester of pregnancy with a two-week history of rapidly progressive proptosis in the left eye. Clinical examination revealed limited left supraduction and diplopia in upward gaze. Orbital magnetic resonance imaging showed a medial orbital mass adjacent to the globe with secondary proptosis. Pathologic examination of a biopsied specimen of the orbital mass and subsequent immunophenotyping by flow cytometry revealed an extranodal marginal zone B-cell lymphoma. Clinical and histological features as well as a review of the literature are described.

Extranodal Marginal Zone Lymphoma: Pathogenesis, Diagnosis and Treatment

Simple Summary

Extranodal marginal zone lymphoma (EMZL) is an indolent lymphoproliferative disease morphologically composed of small heterogeneous B lymphocytes. It generally occurs with a localized stage and can arise in various organs, the most frequent being the stomach, lung, and ocular adnexa. Depending on the presentation and the possible association with infectious agents, different therapeutic approaches are to be undertaken. The purpose of this review is to describe the biology underlying this pathology, the diagnostic, and therapeutic approach.

Abstract

Extranodal Marginal Zone Lymphoma (EMZL lymphoma) is an indolent B-cell lymphoma with a median age at diagnosis of about 60 years. It accounts for 7–8% of all B-cell lymphomas. It can occur in various extranodal sites, including stomach, lung, ocular adnexa, and skin; furthermore, the disseminated disease can be found in 25–50% of cases. Several infectious agents, such as Helicobacter pylori (H. Pylori) in the case of gastric Mucosa Associated Lymphoid Tissue (MALT) Lymphoma, can drive the pathogenesis of this cancer, through the autoantigenic stimulation of T cells, but there may also be other factors participating such autoimmune diseases. Initial staging should include total body computed tomography, bone marrow aspirate, and endoscopic investigation if indicated. Fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH), should be performed to detect the presence of specific chromosomal translocations involving the MALT1 and BCL10 genes, which leads to the activation of the NF-κB signaling pathway. Depending on the location and dissemination of the disease, different therapeutic choices may include targeted therapy against the etiopathogenetic agent, radiotherapy, immunochemotherapy, and biological drugs. The purpose of this review is to illustrate the complex biology and the diagnosis of this disease and to better define new treatment strategies.

What you always wanted to know about gastric MALT-lymphoma: a focus on recent developments

The stomach is the most common site of origin for extranodal lymphomas, with extranodal marginal zone B-cell of the mucosa associated lymphoid tissue (MALT-lymphoma) being the predominant subtype. MALT-lymphoma develops in mucosa associated lymphoid structures acquired by infection or chronic antigenic stimuli and may therefore arise in almost any organ of the human body. In spite of histopathologic similarities between various organs upon first glance, recent findings suggest pronounced differences between different sites, with a variety of features specific to gastric MALT-lymphoma. The objective of this review is to sum up the current knowledge on pathogenesis, molecular pathology, clinical presentation and therapeutic approaches to gastric MALT-lymphoma with in-depth discussion of recent developments.

Maltoma veiled in the lung-a rare case of pulmonary and gastric maltoma

Mucosa associated lymphoid tissue (MALT) is a type of B-cell lymphoma that is commonly observed in the gastrointestinal site, most frequently occurring in the stomach. However, the incidence of this type of lymphoma in the respiratory tract is very uncommon. We report a case of this rare clinical entity in a patient who presented with non-symptomatology and was diagnosed with pulmonary MALT lymphoma (pMALToma).

First Line Systemic Treatment for MALT Lymphoma-Do We Still Need Chemotherapy? Real World Data from the Medical University Vienna

There is no clear therapeutic algorithm for mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue (MALT) lymphoma beyond Helicobacter pylori eradication and while chemotherapy-based regimens are standard for MALT lymphoma patients in need of systemic treatment, it appears of interest to also investigate chemotherapy-free strategies. We have retrospectively assessed MALT lymphoma patients undergoing upfront systemic treatment, classified either as chemotherapy (=classical cytostatic agents +/- rituximab) or immunotherapy (=immunomodulatory agents or single anti-CD20 antibodies) at the Medical University Vienna 1999-2019. The primary endpoint was progression-free survival (PFS). In total, 159 patients were identified with a median follow-up of 67 months. The majority of patients had extragastric disease (80%), but we also identified 32 patients (20%) with Helicobacter pylori negative or disseminated gastric lymphoma. Regarding the type of first line treatment and outcome, 46% (74/159) received a chemotherapy-based regimen and 54% (85/159) immunotherapy including IMiDs lenalidomide/thalidomide (37%), anti-CD20-anitbodies rituximab/ofatumumab (27%), macrolides clarithromycin/azithromycin (27%) and proteasome inhibitor bortezomib (9%). Median PFS was 76 months (95%CI 50-102), and while the overall response (90% vs. 68%, p < 0.01) and the complete remission rate (75% vs. 43%, p < 0.01) was significantly higher for chemotherapy, there was no difference in PFS between chemotherapy (median 81 months, 95%CI 47-116) and immunotherapy (76 months, 95%CI 50-103, p = 0.57), suggesting comparable long-term outcomes. To conclude, our data show higher response rates with chemo- compared to immunotherapy, but this did not translate into a superior PFS. Given the biological background of MALT lymphoma, and the favorable toxicity profile of novel immunomodulatory treatments, this should be further investigated.

Depth of Remission Following First-Line Treatment Is an Independent Prognostic Marker for Progression-Free Survival in Gastric Mucosa-Associated Lymphoid Tissue (MALT) Lymphoma

Gastric mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue (MALT) lymphoma responding to upfront treatment has an excellent outcome and no further therapy is recommended, even in the presence of residual disease. However, no data exist on the influence of initial depth of remission on progression-free survival (PFS). Methods: We investigated a correlation between PFS and depth of response, categorizing them as complete remission (CR), partial remission (PR) and stable disease (SD) in 137 consecutive patients at the Medical University Vienna. Results: All patients with Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori)-positive, localized disease received H. pylori eradication (70%, 96/137), while the remaining patients were treated with various modalities. The response rate was 67% for the entire collective and 58% for eradication only, with corresponding CR-rates of 48% and 38%. At a median follow-up of 56.2 months, the estimated PFS for the entire cohort was 34.2 months (95% Confidence Interval 16.0–52.4). Responding patients (=CR/PR) had a significantly longer PFS compared to SD (68.3 vs. 17.3 months, p < 0.001). This was also applicable to the eradication only cohort (49.0 vs. 17.3 months, p < 0.001) and remained significant after correction for MALT-IPI. Furthermore, CR significantly prolonged PFS over PR (p = 0.007 entire cohort, p = 0.020 eradication). Conclusions: Remission status correlated significantly with PFS, suggesting depth of remission as prognostic marker for long-term relapse-free survival.

Extranodal marginal zone B-cell lymphoma of mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue in the oromaxillofacial head and neck region: A retrospective analysis of 105 patients

Background

Extranodal marginal zone B‐cell lymphoma of mucosa‐associated lymphoid tissue (MALT lymphoma) in the oromaxillofacial head and neck region is rare, with limited data available. This retrospective study explored the clinical features, stage, treatment, and prognosis of this disease.

Methods

Overall, 105 patients with MALT lymphomas in the oromaxillofacial head and neck region were included in this retrospective analysis. SPSS 22.0 software package was used for data analysis and a two‐tailed P value of ≤.05 was considered statistically significant. Primary endpoints of the study were the complete response (CR) rate, overall survival (OS), and progression‐free survival (PFS).

Results

About 52% of the patients had long‐term xerostomia, autoimmune diseases, or chronic parotitis and 81% had diseases involving the large salivary glands. Ann Arbor staging of the patients was as follows: stages I/II, 73 patients and stages III/IV, 32 patients. In the 97 patients followed up, CR rate after initial treatment was 80%. Tumor progression was observed in 12 patients and 14 patients died. There was a significant difference between the rate of CR in localized (87%) and disseminated (67%) lymphoma patients (P = .02). The 5‐ and 10‐year PFS of the localized lymphoma patients were both 91%, whereas those of the disseminated lymphoma patients were 83% and 65%, respectively (P = .03). The 5‐year PFS rates of the chemotherapy and non‐chemotherapy groups in the disseminated lymphoma patients were 85% and 73% (P = .04). Meanwhile, the 5‐year PFS rates of the rituximab and non‐rituximab groups in the disseminated lymphoma patients were 100% and 70% (P = .03). In multivariate analysis, MALT Lymphoma International Prognostic Index (MALT‐IPI) was an independent prognostic factor affecting OS, whereas Ann Arbor staging affected PFS.

Conclusions

This study suggests that the outcome after initial treatment of MALT lymphomas in the oromaxillofacial head and neck region is satisfactory and that this disease progresses slowly. The CR rate and PFS of localized lymphoma patients are better than those of disseminated lymphoma patients. Systemic treatment (chemotherapy or rituximab) may improve PFS in disseminated disease patients. MALT‐IPI and Ann Arbor staging are independent prognostic factors.

[Synchronous pulmonary and lachrymal glands involvement by MALT lymphoma]

Les lymphomes pulmonaires primitifs sont des tumeurs rares représentant moins de 1% des tumeurs malignes du poumon. La forme la plus fréquente est le lymphome de type Mucosa-Associated Lymphoid Tissue (MALT). L'atteinte oculaire est aussi rare et elle est dans la plupart du temps localisée dans les glandes lacrymales. Nous rapportons l'observation d'un patient ayant présenté un lymphome pulmonaire de type MALT associé à une atteinte synchrone des glandes lacrymales. Cette observation illustre les aspects cliniques, radiologiques et évolutifs de cette entité qui sont peu spécifiques.

Mucosa-Associated Lymphoid Tissue (MALT) Lymphoma of the Colon: A Case Report and a Literature Review

Patient: Female, 56

Final Diagnosis: Colonic MALT lymphoma

Symptoms: Epigastric pain

Medication: —

Clinical Procedure: Colonoscopy and biopsy

Specialty: Gastroenterology and Hepatology

Primary Orbital Follicular Lymphoma: A Case Report and Review

Orbital Lymphomas (OL) constitute a heterogeneous group of lymphoproliferative disorders of the orbit. They are predominantly of the Mucosa-Associated Lymphoid Tissue (MALT) subtype. Radiotherapy is the mainstay of treatment in localized orbital tumours, while chemotherapy is reserved for systemic disease. Authors report a case of a primary orbital lymphoma of follicular subtype (stage 1E) in a 54-year-old female managed by surgery and adjuvant radiotherapy.

Ocular adnexal marginal zone lymphoma: Clinical presentation, pathogenesis, diagnosis, prognosis, and treatment

Ocular adnexal marginal zone lymphoma (OAML) represents 1-2% of all non Hodgkin lymphomas. In the last few years many advances in understanding the pathogenesis and the molecular basis involved in its development have been done. Many potential risk factors have been proposed; a dysregulation of immune response in association with a chronic antigenic stimulation, have been hypothesized as possible pathogenic mechanism. In particular, Chlamydia psittaci infection has been related to OAML arising, and eradicating antibiotic therapy has been addressed as a safe and cost-effective approach. Management of OAML is still heterogeneous and matter of debate. There is no consensus about the best upfront treatment and therapeutic decision should take into account several patient-, lymphoma- and treatment-related factors. Novel agents and chemotherapy-free strategies are being investigated to reduce side effects and improve tumor control. This review is focused in recent knowledge improvements in this lymphoma.

Primary B-Cell Mucosa-Associated Lymphoid Tissue Lymphoma of the Hard Palate and Parotid Gland: Report of One Case and Review of the Literature

A 61-year-old woman was admitted to our hospital with an ulcerated palate mass and swelling of the right parotid gland. Incisional biopsy from the hard palate revealed an extranodal marginal zone B-cell lymphoma, also called mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue (MALT) lymphoma. Final diagnosis was MALT lymphoma of the parotid gland with concomitant involvement of an extremely seldom site of involvement: the hard palate. To our knowledge, this report illustrates the first case of MALT lymphoma of the hard palate and parotid gland without an underlying autoimmune disease. Rituximab-based combination regimen (R-CHOP) provided complete remission with total regression of mass lesions at the hard palate and parotid gland. At 44-month follow-up, there is no disease relapse. We adressed the manifestations and management of MALT lymphoma patients with involvement of salivary gland and oral cavity.

An unusual presentation of gastric mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue (MALT)-type lymphoma

Mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue (MALT)-type lymphoma is a relatively rare disease; nevertheless, it is the third most common lymphoma type, accounting for 5–7% of all non-Hodgkin lymphomas. Case series and retrospective analysis published in the literature have suggested that extra gastrointestinal (GI) MALT-type lymphoma can occur simultaneously with MALT-type lymphoma involving the GI tract. We report the case of a healthy, 64-year-old Caucasian male who presented with progressive fatigue, non-productive cough, and worsening exertional shortness of breath for 3 months who was subsequently diagnosed with gastric extra-nodal marginal zone B-cell lymphoma or MALToma with simultaneous metastasis to the lung (bronchi) based on biopsy reports.

Bone marrow involvement is not associated with the clinical outcomes of gastric mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue lymphoma

Objective Bone marrow (BM) examination is recommended as part of the initial staging work-up in patients with gastric mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue (MALT) lymphoma. However, the clinical significance of BM involvement in gastric MALT lymphoma patients has not been evaluated. Materials and methods From November 1995 to September 2014, 496 subjects who were diagnosed with gastric MALT lymphoma and underwent BM examination were eligible to be included in this study. BM involvement was found in 33 patients (6.7%) by retrospective review, and after exclusions, the clinical outcomes of 28 patients with BM involvement and 412 patients without BM involvement were evaluated. Results When comparing the characteristics of patients, age (median 60 vs. 53 years, p = 0.007) and Helicobacter pylori infection rate (71.0% vs. 85.5%, p = 0.040) were different between patients with and without BM involvement, while the location, macroscopic findings, and depth of invasion were similar. The overall complete remission (CR) rate was 85.2% during a median follow-up period of 42 months (interquartile range, 23-66 months) and did not differ between the two groups (78.6 and 85.7%, p = 0.280). Eradication therapy was performed as the first-line treatment in 18 of the 28 patients (64.3%) with BM involvement, and CR was achieved in 13 patients (72.2%). Logistic regression analysis showed that age and location in the upper part of the stomach were factors related to remission failure. Conclusion Gastric MALT lymphoma has a favorable outcome, and eradication therapy can be justified in selected cases even with BM involvement, when these patients are closely monitored.

CT, MRI, and 18F-FDG PET/CT Findings in Untreated Pulmonary and Hepatic B-Cell Lymphoma of Mucosa-Associated Lymphoid Tissue (MALT) Over a Five-Year Period: A Case Report

Imaging findings of hepatic lymphoma of mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue (MALT) have been rarely reported before. We present the computed tomography (CT), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and fluorine-18-fluorodeoxyglucose (F-FDG) positron emission tomography (PET)/CT findings in a patient with untreated pulmonary and hepatic MALT lymphoma over a 5-year period.On the 1st abdominal MRI scan, the hepatic MALT lymphoma showed multiple hepatic subcapsular masses. On FDG PET/CT, these hepatic tumors showed hypodenisty with FDG uptake similar to the liver on early PET images, and higher than liver on delayed PET images. The patient declined to undergo treatment. Fiver year later, the follow-up MRI and FDG PET/CT showed enlargement and confluence of the hepatic tumors with higher FDG uptake than before. The enlarged hepatic tumors had minimal mass effect. In the hepatic lesions, the blood vessels and bile ducts had no distortion or displacement.The hepatic MALT lymphoma should be taken into consideration when the hepatic tumors have minimal mass effect with the intrahepatic blood vessels and bile ducts normally passing through the tumors. Delayed-time-point FDG PET/CT imaging may be helpful for improving detectability of the hepatic MALT lymphoma.

Pulmonary mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue lymphoma revisited

This general review sought to clarify the pathophysiological, diagnostic, prognostic, and therapeutic features of pulmonary mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue (MALT) lymphoma.MALT lymphoma is the most common pulmonary B-cell lymphoma, which usually occurs in the context of acquired MALT. The disease is slow-growing with an asymptomatic chronic alveolar opacity visible on radiography. Diagnosis requires tissue samples that should be retrieved using minimally invasive techniques, such as bronchoscopy or computed tomography-guided biopsies. The pathophysiology includes cytogenetic abnormalities and autoimmune diseases, whereas an association with a chronic pulmonary infection is still suspected but not yet demonstrated. Disease prognosis is typically excellent and the current available treatments are discussed in this review, including the decision not to treat, surgery, and single- or double-agent chemotherapy.

18F-Fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG)-positron emission tomography/computed tomography in mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue lymphoma: variation in 18F-FDG avidity according to site involvement

The purpose of this study was to determine the 18F-FDG avidity of MALT lymphoma and the additional utility of 18F-FDG PET/CT in MALT lymphoma staging. Pretreatment 18F-FDG PET/CT scans of 222 patients with 227 MALT lymphoma lesions were retrospectively analyzed. 18F-FDG avidity of lesions was noted in 28%. The proportion was lower for gastric MALT lymphomas than for non-gastric lesions (9% vs. 60%, p<0.0001) and higher for mass-forming lesions than for superficial lesions (82% vs. 2%, p<0.0001). 18F-FDG PET/CT showed the presence of additional lesions in 23 patients: four of six true-positive lesions had 18F-FDG avid primary lesions, and 15 of 17 false-positive lesions had 18F-FDG-non avid lesions. 18F-FDG avidity differed according to the location and gross morphologic characteristics of the MALT lymphoma. Most gastric MALT lymphomas were superficial and had low 18F-FDG avidity. For staging, 18F-FDG PET/CT can be helpful mainly for 18F-FDG avid primary MALT lymphomas.

Limited role of bone marrow aspiration and biopsy in the initial staging work-up of gastric mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue lymphoma in Korea

BACKGROUND/AIMS

The aim of this study was to investigate the frequency of disseminated gastric mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue (MALT) lymphoma and the role of bone marrow study in the initial staging work-up.

METHODS

A total of 194 patients with gastric MALT lymphoma was enrolled. The incidence of disseminated disease was evaluated in the initial staging work-up. The demographic data and tumor characteristics were compared according to Helicobacter pylori infection status.

RESULTS

Localized disease of Lugano stage I accounted for 97.4% of the enrolled cases. Abdominal computed tomography revealed abdominal lymph node metastasis in five patients (2.6%). Bone marrow (BM) involvement was found in only one patient without H. pylori infection (0.5%). No patient showed positive findings on chest computed tomography or positron emission tomography. H. pylori-negative cases showed a significantly higher frequency of advanced-stage disease than H. pylori-positive cases (10.0% vs 0.6%). In patients achieving complete remission, no extragastric recurrence occurred during follow-up.

CONCLUSIONS

The incidence of disseminated disease, including BM involvement, was very low in Korean gastric MALT lymphoma patients. It might be beneficial to perform BM aspiration and biopsy as a part of staging work-up only in patients with risk factors for advanced disease such as H. pylori negativity.

Clinical features, treatment and outcome of mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue (MALT) lymphoma of the ocular adnexa: single center experience of 60 patients

Background

Orbital marginal zone B-cell lymphoma (OAML) constitutes for the most frequent diagnosis in orbital lymphoma. Relatively little data, however, have been reported in larger cohorts of patients staged in a uniform way and no therapy standard exists to date.

Material and Methods

We have retrospectively analyzed 60 patients diagnosed and treated at our institution 1999–2012. Median age at diagnosis was 64 years (IQR 51–75) and follow-up time 43 months (IQR 16–92). All patients had undergone uniform extensive staging and histological diagnosis was made by a reference pathologist according to the WHO classification.

Results

The majority of patients presented with stage IE (n = 40/60, 67%), three had IIE/IIIE and the remaining 17 stage IVE. Seven patients with IVE had bilateral orbital disease whereas the others showed involvement of further organs. Treatment data were available in 58 patients. Local treatment with radiotherapy (14/58, 24%) or surgery (3/58, 5%) resulted in response in 82% of patients. A total of 26 patients (45%) received systemic treatment with a response rate of 85%. Nine patients received antibiotics as initial therapy; response rate was 38%. Watchful-waiting was the initial approach in 6/58 patients. In total 28/58 patients (48%) progressed and were given further therapy. Median time-to-progression in this cohort was 20 months (IQR 9–39). There was no difference in time-to-progression after first-line therapy between the different therapy arms (p = 0.14). Elevated beta-2-microglobulin, plasmacytic differentiation, autoimmune disorder and site of lymphoma were not associated with a higher risk for progress.

Conclusion

Our data underscore the excellent prognosis of OAML irrespective of initial therapy, as there was no significant difference in time-to-progression and response between local or systemic therapy. In the absence of randomized trials, the least toxic individual approach should be chosen for OAML.

[Pulmonary malt lymphoma]

This review will describe the current knowledge in the pathophysiology, diagnosis, prognosis and treatment of pulmonary MALT (Mucosa Associated Lymphoid Tissue) lymphoma. Pulmonary MALT lymphomas are low-grade B cell lymphoma and are the most frequent lymphomas arising from the lung. Tumour cells arise from mucosa associated lymphoid tissue. Unlike other sites, no pathogen has been associated with pulmonary location of MALT lymphoma. However addictive translocations involving the MALT1 gene are frequently evidenced Patients are frequently asymptomatic and present with a chronic alveolar opacity. Diagnosis requires histology that may be retrieved by minimally invasive procedures during bronchial endoscopy or by CT scan guided percutaneous biopsies. Prognosis is good and treatment may vary with abstention, surgery, radiotherapy, immunotherapy or chemotherapy.

A retrospective study of 5-year outcomes of radiotherapy for gastric mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue lymphoma refractory to Helicobacter pylori eradication therapy

BACKGROUND

The favorable response rate of radiotherapy for localized gastric mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue lymphoma refractory to Helicobacter pylori eradication has been demonstrated. However, there are limited data available on the long-term outcomes. The aim of this retrospective study was to evaluate the long-term outcomes of radiotherapy for localized gastric mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue lymphoma refractory to Helicobacter pylori eradication.

METHODS

Thirty-four consecutive patients with localized gastric mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue lymphoma that were refractory to eradication were treated with radiotherapy (a total dose of 30 Gy). The response and adverse events of radiotherapy were retrospectively analyzed as short-term outcomes, and recurrence-free, overall and disease-specific survival rates were calculated as long-term outcomes.

RESULTS

Thirty-three (97.1%) patients achieved complete remission and radiotherapy was well tolerated. One patient underwent emergency gastrectomy due to severe hematemesis. Of the 34 patients during the median follow-up period of 7.5 (1.2-13.0) years, one patient had local recurrence after 8.8 years, one patient underwent surgery for bowel obstruction secondary to small bowel metastasis after 5.1 years and one patient had pulmonary metastasis after 10.9 years. Pathologically, all three recurrences revealed mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue lymphoma without any transformation to high-grade lymphoma. None died of gastric mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue lymphoma. The 5-year recurrence-free survival rate was 97.0%. The 5-year overall survival rates and disease-specific survival rates were 97.0 and 100%, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

Radiotherapy in patients with localized gastric mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue lymphoma refractory to Helicobacter pylori eradication can achieve excellent overall survival. However, long-term surveillance is necessary to identify late recurrences.

A reappraisal of the diagnostic and therapeutic management of uncommon histologies of primary ocular adnexal lymphoma

Lymphoma is the most common malignancy arising in the ocular adnexa, which includes conjunctiva, lachrymal gland, lachrymal sac, eyelids, orbit soft tissue, and extraocular muscles. Ocular adnexal lymphoma (OAL) accounts for 1%-2% of non-Hodgkin lymphoma and 5%-15% of extranodal lymphoma. Histology, stage, and primary localizations are the most important variables influencing the natural history and therapeutic outcome of these malignancies. Among the various lymphoma variants that could arise in the ocular adnexa, marginal zone B-cell lymphoma (OA-MZL) is the most common one. Other types of lymphoma arise much more rarely in these anatomical sites; follicular lymphoma is the second most frequent histology, followed by diffuse large B-cell lymphoma and mantle cell lymphoma. Additional lymphoma entities, like T-cell/natural killer cell lymphomas and Burkitt lymphoma, only occasionally involve orbital structures. Because they are so rare, related literature mostly consists of anecdotal cases included within series focused on OA-MZL and sporadic case reports. This bias hampers a global approach to clinical and molecular properties of these types of lymphoma, with a low level of evidence supporting therapeutic options. This review covers the prevalence, clinical presentation, behavior, and histological and molecular features of uncommon forms of primary OAL and provides practical recommendations for therapeutic management.

Stage IV intramucosal gastric marginal zone B cell lymphoma of mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue type

A 45-year-old woman with no symptoms underwent upper gastrointestinal endoscopy. A discolored area was noted at the greater curvature of the gastric upper body. Endoscopic ultrasonography demonstrated thickening of the second sonographic layer indicating that the depth of invasion was confined to the mucosa. A urea breath test and anti-Helicobacter pylori antibody test were negative. A computed tomography scan showed a consolidation at the right lung. Gastric biopsy and transbronchial lung biopsy (TBLB) demonstrated a monotonous proliferation of atypical small lymphocytes. A diagnosis of gastric marginal zone B cell lymphoma of mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue type (MALT lymphoma) was made. The clinical stage was stage IV. A genetic analysis showed rearrangement of the joining region of the immunoglobulin heavy chain gene and identical clones in both lesions. An API2-MALT1 fusion gene was detected in the gastric lesion. After H. pylori eradication treatment, combination treatment with rituximab plus CHOP (R-CHOP) was performed; 6 months later an endoscopy revealed complete disappearance of the lesion. Multiple gastric biopsies showed no infiltrating atypical lymphocytes. Similarly, the lesion in the lung showed complete remission (CR) on CT and TBLB. This report shows that a gastric MALT lymphoma located in the mucosa and disseminated to the lung maintained CR by R-CHOP.

MALT lymphoma in labial salivary gland biopsy from Sjögren syndrome: importance of follow-up in early detection

Mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue (MALT) lymphomas are known to occur in Sjögren syndrome (SS) patients, but reported cases in labial salivary glands (LSG) are rare. We report a case of 60-year-old female patient with SS who developed MALT lymphoma in the labial salivary glands during a 2-year time interval when she was participating in the Sjögren's International Clinical Collaborative Alliance, an ongoing longitudinal multisite observational study funded by the National Institutes of Health of the United States. At follow-up exam, LSG biopsy showed atypical diffuse infiltration by mononuclear cells of variable size and atypical nuclei affecting the whole specimen with destruction of glandular architecture, leading to a diagnosis of B-cell MALT lymphoma. Computerized tomography and bone marrow biopsy failed to show additional evidence of disease. Clinical, serologic, ocular, histologic and immunohistochemical findings are presented. A "watch and wait" policy was adopted with regular examinations.

The diagnosis and management of ocular lymphoma

PURPOSE

Lymphoma is the most common malignancy of the ocular adnexa. Most of the ocular adnexa lymphomas are non-Hodgkin B-cell lymphomas. The most common type of ocular adnexa lymphoma is primary extranodal marginal zone B-cell lymphoma of the MALT (mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue). Most of these neoplasms are primary extranodal lymphomas, although 10% to 32% are secondary tumors from disseminated disease.

CASE REPORT

A 58-year-old woman presented for a comprehensive examination, with the chief complaint of ocular discomfort in both eyes. Anterior segment examination revealed bilateral salmon-colored lesions of the inferior and superior conjunctivae. The patient was referred for systemic evaluation and histopathology of the conjunctival lesions. She was diagnosed as having marginal zone lymphoma of the MALT and underwent radiation therapy (RT).

CONCLUSIONS

Ocular lymphoma may present on routine examination or with mild symptoms. Although most commonly a primary extranodal neoplasm, the condition may be associated with disseminated lymphoma and requires thorough evaluation and staging of the disease for determination of appropriate treatment. The primary eye care provider plays an important role in the identification and staging of the disease, as well as managing complications from RT. It is also important to recognize that concurrent conditions requiring treatment with topical medications, such as glaucoma, may be complicated after treatment because of the inflammation and ocular surface irritation after RT. The necessity and benefit of the addition of intraocular pressure medications during that time should be measured on a case-by-case basis. Patients should be followed closely after treatment for relapse of disease and identification of complications from ocular RT.

Marginal zone lymphoma of mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue with prominent plasma cell differentiation affecting the palatine tonsil: histopathological and immunohistochemical analysis

Non-Hodgkin lymphomas (NHLs) of the oral cavity and oropharynx constitute 13% of all primary extranodal NHLs. Marginal zone B-cell lymphoma of the mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue (MALT lymphoma) in the palatine tonsil is rare, corresponding to 6% of the NHLs of the Waldeyer ring. Some cases of MALT lymphoma can present prominent plasma cell differentiation, and less commonly, monoclonal gammopathy. The differential diagnosis of these cases from other NHLs with plasmacytic differentiation or plasma cell neoplasms is very difficult. In this article, we describe a rare case of MALT lymphoma in a 34-year-old man presenting as a swelling of the palatine tonsil. The tumor mass was diagnosed as MALT lymphoma with prominent plasma cell differentiation. Systemic evaluation was noncontributory. This is the first report of MALT lymphoma showing extensive plasmacytic differentiation of the palatine tonsil, and reinforces a possible relationship between extramedullary plasmacytoma and MALT lymphoma.

[MALT-type parotid lymphoma--a case report and the review of the literature]

Primary lymphomas of the salivary glands are rare. It is estimated that they constitute no more than 5% of all lymphomas in different locations. The most common subtype developing in parotid glands is marginal zone B-cell mucosa associated lymphoid tissue type lymphoma (MALT) that belongs to a group of low-grade tumours. There are many factors associated with the incidence of that proliferative process: environmental and infectious agents as well as immune deficiency states. We describe a case of primary non-Hodgkin's lymphoma of the parotid gland arising in the background of previously undiagnosed and untreated Sjögren's syndrome in a 52-year-old woman. The article concerns a short review of the literature regarding etiology, symptoms, treatment and survival prognosis in that rare disease as well. MALT lymphomas should always be considered in the differential diagnosis of the tumors and swelling of the parotid gland area. A special, regular monitoring should include all patients with Sjögren's syndrome as those with the proven greater risk of developing that proliferative disease. The role of the laryngologist in the case of MALT-type lymphoma of the parotid gland should focus on a diagnosis and possible tumor cytoreduction with maximal saving of the facial nerve. The essential treatment of this pathology is one of the oncologists and haematologists.

Mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue (MALT) lymphoma arising in the esophagus, stomach, and lung

A 62-year-old woman was referred to our hospital for further investigation of slow-growing gastrointestinal submucosal tumors (SMTs) and multiple lung nodules. Esophageal SMTs had been identified 6 years earlier, following which lung tumors and gastric SMTs had subsequently developed. Despite repeated endoscopic biopsies, these SMTs could not be diagnosed definitively. Moreover, we were unable to detect any serological abnormalities or radiologic findings such as lymph node swelling. Thoracoscopic excision of a lung nodule led to the definitive diagnosis of mucosaassociated lymphoid tissue (MALT) lymphoma. Cytological findings of aspiration biopsy specimens from the esophagus and stomach were compatible with that of the lung nodule. To our knowledge, this is the first case report of esophageal MALT lymphoma with lung and gastric involvement. We discuss this extremely rare disease with reference to the relevant literature.

Primary parotid gland lymphoma: a case report

INTRODUCTION

Mucosa associated lymphoid tissue lymphomas are the most common lymphomas of the salivary glands. The benign lymphoepithelial lesion is also a lymphoproliferative disease that develops in the parotid gland. In the present case report, we describe one case of benign lymphoepithelial lesion with a subsequent low transformation to grade mucosa associated lymphoid tissue lymphoma appearing as a cystic mass in the parotid gland.

CASE PRESENTATION

A 78-year-old Caucasian female smoker was referred to our clinic with a non-tender left facial swelling that had been present for approximately three years. The patient underwent resection of the left parotid gland with preservation of the left facial nerve through a preauricular incision. The pathology report was consistent with a low-grade marginal-zone B-cell non-Hodgkin lymphoma (mucosa associated lymphoid tissue lymphoma) following benign lymphoepithelial lesion of the gland.

CONCLUSIONS

Salivary gland mucosa associated lymphoid tissue lymphoma should be considered in the differential diagnosis of cystic or bilateral salivary gland lesions. Parotidectomy is recommended in order to treat the tumor and to ensure histological diagnosis for further follow-up planning. Radiotherapy and chemotherapy should be considered in association with surgery in disseminated forms or after removal.

Synchronous Presence of Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma and Marginal Zone (MALT-Type) B-Cell Lymphoma in the Pharynx

Synchronous malignancy of squamous cell carcinoma and malignant lymphoma in the head and neck region is extremely rare. Nasopharyngeal carcinoma is a nonlymphomatous, squamous cell carcinoma that occurs in the nasopharyngeal epithelium. Reported herein is a unique case of nasopharyngeal carcinoma occurring simultaneously with MALT-type lymphoma in an 83-year-old woman, who complained of deglutition dysfunction. Endoscopic examination of respective organs revealed a submucosal tumour on the posterior wall of pharynx. Biopsy of the hypopharynx was taken and sent for histological examination, which revealed two different neoplasms. Immunohistochemical and molecular analysis confirmed the diagnosis of nasopharyngeal carcinoma coexisting with a MALT-type lymphoma.

Submandibular gland MALT lymphoma associated with Sjögren's syndrome: case report

Lymphoma is a common disease of the head and neck. Mucosal-associated lymphoid tissue (MALT) lymphoma constitutes a rare type of extranodal lymphoma. The Waldeyer's ring is one of the most common sites of occurrence, but MALT lymphoma may also arise in salivary glands, lung, stomach, or lacrimal glands. In the oral cavity, it may be confused with swellings from dental infection or sinus inflammation. Often, the patient will seek a dentist because of mobile teeth or because a denture no longer fits. We report a case of a female patient with salivary gland dysfunction and pain of several years' duration, who, after numerous tests and hospitalizations, was diagnosed with Sjögren's syndrome. She later developed mucosal-associated lymphoid tissue lymphoma. We discuss the diagnosis, treatment, and prognosis of this entity. MALT lymphoma is rare in salivary glands. In primary-Sjögren's syndrome, predisposition of the patient for development of malignant non-Hodgkin's lymphoma (4% to 10%) is well established. In this case, long-standing sialadenitis and Sjögren's syndrome seem to be the etiological factors. In cases of chronic infection of salivary glands and the presence of autoimmune syndromes, MALT lymphoma should be considered in the differential diagnosis. Consults should be called to ophthalmology, rheumatology, and head and neck oncologists for proper workup, staging, and treatment.

[Extranodal marginal zone non Hodgkin's lymphoma of the lung: a ten-year experience]

BACKGROUND/AIM

Bronchus-associated lymphoid tissue (BALT) lymphoma is a rare subtype of low grade marginal zone B cell lymphoma representing 10% of all MALT lymphomas. The purpose of this study was to analyze the outcome of this group of patients comparing prognostic parameters and therapy modalities.

METHODS

A total of eight patients with BALT lymphoma had diagnosed between January 1998-April 2008 at the Institute of Hematology, Clinical Center of Serbia, Belgrade, and they were included in this retrospective analysis.

RESULTS

Male/female ratio was 2/6, the median age was 64 years (range 37-67 years). Six patients had nonspecific respiratory symptoms and all of them had B symptoms. The patients were seronegative for HIV, HCV and HBsAg. Three patients had Sjogren's syndrome, rheumatoid arthritis and pulmonary tuberculosis, respectively. Seven patients were diagnosed by transbronchial biopsy and an open lung biopsy was done in one patient. Patohistological findings revealed lymphoma of marginal zone B cell lymphoma: CD20+/CD10-/CD5-/CyclinD1/CD23-/IgM- with Ki-67+< 20% of all cells. According to the Ferraro staging system, five patients had localized disease (CS I-IIE) and three had stage IVE; bulky tumor mass had 3 patients. All patients had Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group (ECOG) performance status (PS) 0 or 1. Five patients received monochemotherapy with chlorambucil and 3 were treated with CHOP regimen (cyclophosphamide, doxorubicin, vincristine and prednisone). A complete response (CR) was achieved in 5 patients and a partial response (PR) in 3 of them, treated with chlorambucil monotherapy and CHOP regimen. All patients were alive during a median follow-up period of 49 months (range 6-110 months). Three patients relapsed after monochemotherapy into the other extranodal localization. They were treated with CHOP regimen and remained in stable PR. CONCLUSION. BALT lymphoma tends to be localised disease at the time of diagnosis, responds well to monochemotherapy with chlorambucil and has a favourable prognosis.

Primary mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue lymphoma of the salivary glands: a multicenter Rare Cancer Network study

PURPOSE

Involvement of salivary glands with mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue (MALT) lymphoma is rare. This retrospective study was performed to assess the clinical profile, treatment outcome, and prognostic factors of MALT lymphoma of the salivary glands.

METHODS AND MATERIALS

Thirteen member centers of the Rare Cancer Network from 10 countries participated, providing data on 63 patients. The median age was 58 years; 47 patients were female and 16 were male. The parotid glands were involved in 49 cases, submandibular in 15, and minor glands in 3. Multiple glands were involved in 9 patients. Staging was as follows: IE in 34, IIE in 12, IIIE in 2, and IV in 15 patients.

RESULTS

Surgery (S) alone was performed in 9, radiotherapy (RT) alone in 8, and chemotherapy (CT) alone in 4 patients. Forty-one patients received combined modality treatment (S + RT in 23, S + CT in 8, RT + CT in 4, and all three modalities in 6 patients). No active treatment was given in one case. After initial treatment there was no tumor in 57 patients and residual tumor in 5. Tumor progression was observed in 23 (36.5%) (local in 1, other salivary glands in 10, lymph nodes in 11, and elsewhere in 6). Five patients died of disease progression and the other 5 of other causes. The 5-year disease-free survival, disease-specific survival, and overall survival were 54.4%, 93.2%, and 81.7%, respectively. Factors influencing disease-free survival were use of RT, stage, and residual tumor (p < 0.01). Factors influencing disease-specific survival were stage, recurrence, and residual tumor (p < 0.01).

CONCLUSIONS

To our knowledge, this report represents the largest series of MALT lymphomas of the salivary glands published to date. This disease may involve all salivary glands either initially or subsequently in 30% of patients. Recurrences may occur in up to 35% of patients at 5 years; however, survival is not affected. Radiotherapy is the only treatment modality that improves disease-free survival.

Clonal relationship of extranodal marginal zone lymphomas of mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue involving different sites

Patients with mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue (MALT) lymphoma often have multiple sites of disease at initial diagnosis or during the clinical course. The neoplasms at multiple sites are often presumed to be identical, indicating dissemination or relapse. However, evidence to support this presumption is usually not available. We compared IGH VDJ sequences in 4 patients with 2 sequential sites of MALT lymphoma. The specimen pairs were stomach and nasopharynx, stomach and lung, ocular adnexa and nasopharynx, and ocular adnexa and parotid gland. The median interval between biopsies was 4 months (range, 1-32 months). Monoclonal IGH gene rearrangement was detected in all cases. In 3 patients, the VDJ sequences were distinct; in 1 patient the 2 biopsy specimens shared the same clone. MALT lymphomas involving multiple sites in a patient are usually not clonally related but arise independently, likely due to chronic antigenic stimulation, inducing oligoclonal B-cell proliferations and eventually a dominant B-cell clone.

Diagnosis and staging in gastrointestinal lymphoma

The diagnosis gastrointestinal lymphoma can be made on endoscopic biopsies in the vast majority of cases. Definitive subtyping of the lymphoma according to the WHO classification with the use of additional immunological and molecular markers is the cornerstone for further decision making. Several lymphomas may occur multifocally or show both small cell and large cell components. Therefore, a second endoscopy with an extensive biopsy protocol (mapping) may be mandatory. Staging procedures are required for therapeutic decision making and should include CT-scan, laboratory studies and bone marrow examination as required in other lymphomas. Additional studies must be performed depending subtype and localisation of the lymphoma. In gastric lymphoma endosonography reveals prognostic information. In marginal zone lymphoma of MALT-type attention to other MALT-sites and autoimmune diseases is necessary. In enteropathy-associated T-cell lymphoma screening for coeliac disease and enteroscopy are required. In several lymphomas (diffuse large B-cell lymphoma and mantle cell lymphoma) a PET-scan is considered as standard of care. The value of staging procedures after treatment is less well defined. At least in gastric lymphomas, histology is the gold standard after treatment and during follow-up.

Double-balloon endoscopy depicts diminutive small bowel lesions in gastrointestinal lymphoma

The aim was to determine the prevalence of small bowel involvement in patients with gastrointestinal (GI) lymphoma by double-balloon endoscopy (DBE). We examined 29 patients with primary GI lymphoma by oral and anal DBEs. Clinicopathologic features related to the prevalence of diminutive small bowel involvement and the clinical outcome were retrospectively investigated. Diminutive small bowel lesions were found in 14 patients. The prevalence of the lesions was not different between patients with primary small bowel lymphoma and those with primary extra-small bowel lymphoma (50% versus 47%, P = 0.6). However, clinical stage was more advanced in patients with the lesions than in those without (P < 0.05). The lesions were more frequently found in T-cell lymphoma (100%) and follicular lymphoma (77%) than in the other types of lymphoma (15%) (P < 0.05). Diminutive small intestinal lesions occur in patients with GI lymphoma, especially in those with follicular lymphoma and T-cell lymphoma. GI lymphomas of these histologic types are candidates for scrutiny by DBE.

The clinicopathological analysis of 303 cases with malignant lymphoma classified according to the World Health Organization classification system in a single institute of Taiwan

Several reports have shown a different distribution of malignant lymphoma (ML) in Asian and Western populations. The purpose of our survey was to elucidate whether there are substantial differences in the frequencies of subtypes of ML between different geographical areas. All entities diagnosed as ML between June 1995 and December 2007 were selected according to the 2008 World Health Organization (WHO) classification and searched for clinical outcomes. The cases were retrieved and reviewed by a panel of clinical haematologists and haematopathologists. A total of 303 patients with ML were identified for retrospective analysis. Of the 303 patients with ML, 278 patients (91.7%) had non-Hodgkin's lymphoma (NHL), and 25 (9.2%) had Hodgkin's lymphoma. Of the 278 patients with NHL, 223 (73.6%) had lymphoma of B-cell lineage, and 55 (18.1%) had lymphoma of T-cell lineage. One hundred and thirty-seven patients were diagnosed with diffuse large B-cell lymphoma, which was the most common B-cell lineage subtype and accounted for 45.2% of patients with NHL. Peripheral T-cell lymphomas were the most frequent subset of the T-cell neoplasms, comprising 10.6% of ML. Extranodal involvement was found in 125 (44.9%) of the 278 patients with NHL, and the lymph node was the site of primary involvement in 153 patients (55.1%). Fifty-nine (47.2%) of the 125 patients with extranodal presentation had gastrointestinal tract involvement. Outcome was worse in patients with extranodal NHL than in those with nodal NHL through the entire follow-up period; the difference in survival rates was significant. Our findings clarify the applicability and prognostic relevance of the WHO classification system and provide further information about the incidence of various lymphoma subtypes in Taiwan. Primary extranodal NHL was associated with a worse prognosis and distinct characteristics compared with nodal NHL. The outcome of different types of extranodal NHL should be investigated further.

Ocular adnexal diffuse large B-cell lymphoma: local disease correlates with better outcomes

PURPOSE

To describe the clinical, immunohistochemical and prognostic features, as well as outcomes of a large series of patients with orbital and periorbital diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL).

DESIGN

This study is a multicentre, retrospective non-comparative consecutive case series.

METHODS

The setting for this study was institutional. A total of 37 consecutive patients identified from the institutions' databases with periorbital and orbital DLBCL were enrolled in the study. A retrospective chart review was used for observation. The main outcome measures were patient demographics, clinical features, imaging, immunohistochemical and histopathological data, treatments administered, and survival.

RESULTS

A total of 20 out of 37 cases (54.1%) represented localised periorbital disease (group L), 11 of 37 (29.7%) had systemic disease at presentation with periorbital disease (group S1), and 6 of 37 (16.2%) had previous history of systemic lymphoma (group S2). In all, 28 out of 30 (93.3%) patients were CD20+, 5 of 25 (20%) were CD3+, and 11 of 11 (100%) were CD79a+ (varying denominators reflect the different numbers of patients tested). A total of 25 out of 32 patients (78.1%) received chemotherapy, 14 (43.8%) received rituxmab plus chemotherapy, and 19 (59.3%) received radiotherapy. Nine deaths occurred, one in group L (not lymphoma related), six in group S1, and two in group S2. Five-year Kaplan-Meier survival estimates were 55.9% for all cases, 90.9% for group L, 36.0% for group S1, and 0% for group S2. One-year progression-free survival estimates in groups S1 and S2 combined were 58.3% for patients treated with rituximab and 28.6% for those who were not.

CONCLUSIONS

To our knowledge, this report represents the largest series of patients with periorbital and orbital DLBCL in the literature. The difference in survival between groups L, S1 and S2 was striking, reflecting the grave prognosis of systemic DLBCL, but conversely the relatively optimistic outlook for patients with localised disease. Rituximab plus chemotherapy may be associated with increased survival.

Rituximab-induced Remission of a Gastric MALT Lymphoma

Gastric MALT lymphoma is usually associated with H. pylori infection, and responds to treatment with antibiotics and a proton pump inhibitor. We report a case of H. pylori negative gastric MALT lymphoma. The patient was followed conservatively for 2 years until she developed gastrointestinal bleeding with significant anemia. She was treated with rituximab 375 mg/m2 weekly for four doses, which resulted in a biopsy proven complete remission. Rituximab therapy is a reasonable, well tolerated treatment alternative for MALT lymphomas not associated with H. pylori.

Transformation of MALT lymphoma to pure plasma cell histology following treatment with the anti-CD20 antibody rituximab

Mucosa associated lymphoid tissue (MALT) lymphoma is a relatively common lymphoma arising from marginal-zone B-cells which are closely related to plasma cells. As opposed to the large majority of plasma cells, MALT lymphoma cells express CD20, and the anti-CD20 antibody rituximab has been reported as active treatment in patients with MALT lymphoma. We present a patient with MALT lymphoma involving stomach and lung which transformed to a pure plasma cell tumor after therapy with rituximab. This observation again supports the close association between the cell of origin of MALT lymphoma and plasma cells, suggesting that "plasmacytoma of the GI-tract" as anecdotally reported may in fact be a MALT lymphoma with extreme plasmacytic differentiation. In addition, our findings suggest that MALT lymphomas with plasmacytic differentiation might have a different 18F-FDG uptake as compared to classical MALT lymphoma.