MALT Lymphoma : Prognosis

Comments:
MALT Lymphoma - Prognosis: MALT lymphomas are indolent, low-grade B-cell tumors that remain localized for prolonged periods of time. Transformation to DLBCL occurs in <10% of cases. The median survival is more than 12 years. The overall 5-yr survival rate is 86-95%.

There are site-specific differences in prognosis. When grouped together for all sites, the tumor has spread outside the site of origin in about 34% of cases at the time of diagnosis. Recurrences can occur after many years. They are more common with extragastric lymphomas and can involve other extranodal sites.

The image shown here is from a pulmonary MALT lymphoma. The neoplastic lymphocytes are seen infiltrating and expanding the alveolar walls in a lymphangitic fashion.