What is Marginal Zone Lymphoma?

Marginal zone lymphoma (MZL) is a type of non-Hodgkin lymphoma, which is a cancer of the lymphatic system. The lymphatic system is part of the body's immune system and helps to fight off infections and diseases. MZL is a slow-growing or 'indolent' lymphoma that develops from B cells, a type of white blood cell, in the 'marginal zone' of lymph nodes. This is the area just outside the center of the lymph node where B cells are stored. MZL can occur at any age but is more common in older adults. It is slightly more common in men than in women.

Types of Marginal Zone Lymphoma

There are three main types of Marginal Zone Lymphoma:

Extranodal Marginal Zone Lymphoma of Mucosa-Associated Lymphoid Tissue (MALT Lymphoma): This is the most common type of MZL. It often starts in the stomach but can occur in various parts of the body such as the lungs, skin, thyroid, salivary glands, or eyes.
Nodal Marginal Zone Lymphoma: This type of MZL starts in the lymph nodes. It is less common than MALT lymphoma.
Splenic Marginal Zone Lymphoma: This type of MZL starts in the spleen and can also involve the blood and bone marrow. It is the least common type of MZL.

Why Do People Get Marginal Zone Lymphoma?

The exact cause of marginal zone lymphoma is not known. However, certain factors are believed to increase the risk of developing this disease. These include:

Age: MZL is more common in older adults, typically those over the age of 60.
Gender: MZL is slightly more common in men than in women.
Immune system disorders: People with certain autoimmune disorders, such as Sjogren's syndrome or Hashimoto's thyroiditis, may have an increased risk of MZL.
Infections: Certain bacterial or viral infections, such as Helicobacter pylori (which can cause stomach ulcers) or hepatitis C, can increase the risk of MZL.

It's important to note that having one or more of these risk factors does not mean that a person will definitely develop MZL. Many people with these risk factors never develop the disease, and some people who get MZL have none of these risk factors.

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Types of Marginal Zone Lymphoma

There are three main types of Marginal Zone Lymphoma:

Extranodal Marginal Zone Lymphoma of Mucosa-Associated Lymphoid Tissue (MALT Lymphoma): This is the most common type of MZL. It often starts in the stomach but can occur in various parts of the body such as the lungs, skin, thyroid, salivary glands, or eyes.
Nodal Marginal Zone Lymphoma: This type of MZL starts in the lymph nodes. It is less common than MALT lymphoma.
Splenic Marginal Zone Lymphoma: This type of MZL starts in the spleen and can also involve the blood and bone marrow. It is the least common type of MZL.

Why Do People Get Marginal Zone Lymphoma?

The exact cause of marginal zone lymphoma is not known. However, certain factors are believed to increase the risk of developing this disease. These include:

Age: MZL is more common in older adults, typically those over the age of 60.
Gender: MZL is slightly more common in men than in women.
Immune system disorders: People with certain autoimmune disorders, such as Sjogren's syndrome or Hashimoto's thyroiditis, may have an increased risk of MZL.
Infections: Certain bacterial or viral infections, such as Helicobacter pylori (which can cause stomach ulcers) or hepatitis C, can increase the risk of MZL.