What is Malt Lymphoma?

Written by Medicover Team and Medically Reviewed by Dr Karimi Prashob Kumar , Oncologist

MALT lymphoma (Mucosa-Associated Lymphoid Tissue lymphoma) is a rare type of cancer that belongs to the non-Hodgkin lymphoma group. It develops in mucosal tissues, which are the soft linings inside organs such as the stomach, lungs, thyroid, eyes, and salivary glands. These areas normally do not have lymphoid tissue, but inflammation or infection can cause lymphoid cells to build up and sometimes turn into cancer.

MALT lymphoma grows slowly and often starts without any symptoms. It usually affects older adults, with most cases seen in people over 60. While it can occur in many parts of the body, gastric MALT lymphoma (in the stomach lining) is the most common form.

What Are the Types of MALT Lymphoma?

There are two main types of MALT lymphoma, depending on where the cancer begins. Both are slow-growing, but their causes, symptoms, and treatments may differ.

Gastric MALT Lymphoma

This type begins in the inner lining of the stomach. This type is often caused by long-term H. pylori infection, a common stomach bacteria. At first, many people do not feel any symptoms. But over time, it can cause stomach pain or even bleeding.

Non-Gastric MALT Lymphoma

This type happens outside the stomach. It may grow in places like:

Salivary glands, especially in people with autoimmune diseases like Sjogren's syndrome
Thyroid
Lungs
Skin
Tissues around the eyes

Non-gastric MALT lymphoma is less common and may have different causes, such as chronic infections or autoimmune diseases.

How Common Is MALT Lymphoma?

MALT lymphoma is rare, making up about 7% of all non-Hodgkin lymphoma cases. Though uncommon, it is the most frequent form of marginal zone lymphoma, a slow-growing subtype of lymphoma.

It is slightly more common in men than women, and the average age at diagnosis is around 65 years. While the exact number of cases per year is low, early diagnosis and slow progression mean that many people live with the disease for years.

How Fast Does MALT Lymphoma Spread?

MALT lymphoma is generally indolent, meaning it grows very slowly. Many people are diagnosed by chance while being tested for unrelated issues, especially in the early stages. Although it can stay in one location for a long time, some cases may slowly spread to nearby lymph nodes or organs over time.

Doctors often monitor early cases closely without starting treatment right away, a method called watchful waiting.

What Are the Symptoms of MALT Lymphoma?

Symptoms can change based on where the lymphoma is found. Most MALT lymphomas start in the mucous membranes, the soft, moist linings inside your stomach, lungs, or glands.

Gastric (stomach) MALT lymphoma symptoms

Ongoing indigestion or acid reflux
Mild or moderate pain in the belly
Feeling sick or vomiting
Poor appetite or feeling full too soon
Losing weight without trying
Stomach bleeding (may appear as black stools or vomiting blood)

Non-Gastric MALT Lymphoma Symptoms by Site

Eyes

Swollen eyelids
Redness or irritation
Blurry or double vision
A feeling of pressure around the eye

Lungs

Salivary Glands

Swelling under the chin or near the jaw
Dry mouth
Pain or discomfort when chewing

Skin

Raised red or purple patches
Itchy or inflamed areas
Skin lumps that slowly grow

Thyroid

A visible or painless neck lump
Tiredness, dry skin, or sensitivity to cold
Slow weight gain (linked to low thyroid hormone levels)

What Causes MALT Lymphoma?

MALT lymphoma often develops after long-term immune stimulation in the body. This can happen when long-term infections or autoimmune diseases cause swelling and irritation in certain parts of the body.

Infections linked to MALT lymphoma

H. pylori: The main cause of MALT lymphoma in the stomach
Chlamydia psittaci: Linked to MALT lymphoma around the eyes
Borrelia burgdorferi: Linked to skin MALT lymphoma
Campylobacter jejuni: Linked to MALT lymphoma in the bowel
Hepatitis C virus: Which may play a role in several MALT types

Autoimmune disorders linked to MALT

Sjogren's syndrome is linked to salivary gland MALT
Hashimoto's thyroiditis is linked to thyroid MALT lymphoma

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How Is MALT Lymphoma Diagnosed?

Doctors use a combination of biopsies, blood tests, and imaging to diagnose and stage MALT lymphoma. Diagnosis may take time, especially if symptoms are mild.

Diagnostic steps may include

Blood tests: These check your blood cells, liver health, and signs of infection or swelling in the body.
Endoscopy: This is a camera test that lets the doctor see inside your stomach. During the test, they may take a small tissue sample (biopsy) for testing.
Biopsy: A tissue sample is tested under a microscope to confirm the presence of lymphoma cells
CT scan or PET scan: To see if the cancer has spread to other parts of the body
Bone marrow biopsy (in some cases): To rule out widespread disease
H. pylori test: If gastric MALT is suspected, testing for this bacteria is crucial

How Is MALT Lymphoma Treated?

Treatment depends on the type, location, cause, and stage of the lymphoma. Many early-stage cases respond well to treatment or even go into remission without the need for chemotherapy.

Common treatment options

Watchful Waiting: In early cases, treatment may not be needed right away. Doctors will monitor the condition closely with regular check-ups.
Antibiotics: If the MALT lymphoma is caused by H. pylori in the stomach, a 2-week course of antibiotics can remove the infection. In many cases, this can also cure the cancer.
Radiation therapy: Targeted radiation may be used for localised disease that does not respond to antibiotics.
Monoclonal antibody therapy: Drugs like rituximab target cancer cells without harming normal cells.
Chemotherapy: Used if the disease has spread or doesn't respond to other treatments.
Immunotherapy: Boosts the body's own immune system to fight the cancer cells.

When Should You See a Doctor?

MALT lymphoma may grow slowly, but early signs can be easy to miss. Many people don't know they have it until they get tested for something else. That's why it's important to take any unusual or long-lasting symptoms seriously, especially if you're at higher risk.

You should see a doctor if you notice

Ongoing indigestion, nausea, or belly pain
A painless lump in your neck, jaw, or under your chin
Dry mouth, eye irritation, or swelling around your eyes
Unexplained weight loss or fatigue
Chronic cough or trouble breathing
Skin patches or lumps that slowly change over time

If you have an autoimmune condition like Sjogren's syndrome or a past H. pylori infection, let your doctor know. Catching MALT lymphoma early often means easier treatment and a better outcome.

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What Is the Outlook for MALT Lymphoma?

MALT lymphoma has a very good outlook, especially if caught early. Most people live for many years after diagnosis. Even when it returns (recurs), it often responds well to another round of treatment.

Survival rates

5-year survival rate: About 88%, depending on the site, stage, and overall health.
Early-stage gastric MALT treated with antibiotics can be completely cured in many cases.
Non-gastric MALT also responds well to therapy, especially when found early.
In many cases, Non-gastric MALT also responds well to therapy, especially when found early.

Your doctor will consider your age, location of the lymphoma, and any related health issues to give a personalised prognosis.

Living with MALT Lymphoma

Even if treatment is successful, regular check-ups are important to catch any return of the disease early. Your doctor may recommend imaging tests or endoscopy once or twice a year for follow-up.

Tips for living well

Attend all follow-up appointments
Inform your doctor if you have new or worsening symptoms
Keep a healthy diet and exercise to support your immune system
Avoid smoking and alcohol, which may increase cancer risk
Manage autoimmune diseases with regular care

MALT lymphoma is a slow-growing cancer that often starts in the stomach or other mucosal tissues. With proper diagnosis and treatment, many people live long and healthy lives. Some forms can even be cured with antibiotics if detected early. The key is to stay informed, follow your doctor's plan, and attend regular check-ups.

Our Experience Treating MALT Lymphoma

At Medicover, we understand that being diagnosed with a rare cancer like MALT lymphoma can be overwhelming. That's why we focus on personalized care from the very first visit. Our team brings together cancer specialists, gastroenterologists, pathologists, and radiologists to create a treatment plan that fits your needs.

We use advanced diagnostic tools, such as endoscopy, PET-CT scans, and flow cytometry, to confirm your diagnosis with precision. Once identified, we guide you through every step whether it's watchful waiting, antibiotic therapy, radiation, or targeted treatments.