Non-gastric mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue lymphomas: a narrative review of pathogenesis, diagnosis, and treatment strategies.

Publication/Presentation Date

12-31-2025

Abstract

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Extranodal marginal zone B-cell lymphomas of mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue (MALT) are indolent non-Hodgkin lymphomas (NHLs) that can arise in various extranodal organs, often due to chronic inflammation. Gastric MALT lymphomas are well characterized; however, MALT lymphomas may occur in diverse sites such as the ocular adnexa, salivary glands, thyroid, lung, skin, and the small intestine. These site-specific MALT lymphomas have distinct etiologic associations, clinical presentation, and management considerations. This review provides an updated, site-specific overview to guide the diagnostic and therapeutic approach to non-gastric MALT lymphoma in adults.

METHODS: We reviewed peer-reviewed articles [2015-2025] on non-gastric MALT lymphomas, focusing on pathophysiology/etiology, diagnostic workup, and treatment strategies for each site. Key sources include recent reviews and guidelines from high-impact journals.

KEY CONTENT AND FINDINGS: Chronic antigenic stimulation is a unifying theme in MALT lymphoma genesis, either through infectious etiologies or autoimmune conditions. Ocular adnexal MALT lymphoma (OAML) is linked to

CONCLUSIONS: The non-gastric MALT lymphomas have an excellent prognosis as a whole; relapses are common but manageable, and disseminated disease is rare. Long-term follow-up is recommended in all cases.

Volume

13

Issue

6

First Page

78

Last Page

78

ISSN

2305-5839

Disciplines

Medicine and Health Sciences

PubMedID

41502427

Department(s)

Fellows and Residents

Document Type

Article

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