What Is Nodal Marginal Zone B-Cell Lymphoma?

Nodal marginal zone B-cell lymphoma is a type of non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL). It may also be called monocytoid B cell lymphoma or MZL.

Lymphomas are cancers of lymph cells, a type of blood cell. There are nearly 30 different types of lymphoma belonging to two main categories—Hodgkin lymphoma and non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL). 

Nodal marginal zone B-cell lymphoma is one of the uncommon types of NHL. It is a type of low-grade (or slow-growing) lymphoma that arises from B-cells and mainly affects lymph nodes.

In addition, nodal marginal zone B-cell lymphoma mainly affects older individuals. There are no known direct risk factors for this lymphoma but a few risk factors associated with lymphomas in general. 

The most common symptom of this lymphoma is enlargement of lymph nodes. Enlarged nodes become apparent as swellings in the neck, armpits or groin. This may be the only symptom, or there may be other associated symptoms and signs like fever and weight loss (See the article What are B-symptoms?).

All lymphomas are diagnosed with a biopsy. A lymph node biopsy removes a small amount of tissue from the enlarged nodes and this is examined under the microscope. The pattern of cells seen under the microscope and tests for specific lymphoma markers will diagnose it as this particular type of non-Hodgkin lymphoma.

After a lymph node biopsy diagnoses this lymphoma, several tests are performed to find out how much this lymphoma has spread in the body. Tests may include CT scans, blood tests and a bone marrow test. These tests are useful determining the staging and prognosis of the lymphoma.

Depending on the extent of lymphoma at diagnosis, the disease is grouped into one of four stages. (See Understanding Lymphoma Stages). Most individuals with nodal marginal zone B-cell lymphoma are diagnosed at an early stage (when the lymphoma is restricted to one or a few lymph node areas).

The stage and other factors like age, fitness and blood test results determine the disease outlook or prognosis. Unless the disease has spread extensively, this lymphoma has a good prognosis with a favorable outcome after treatment.

Nodal marginal zone B-cell lymphoma is a slow-growing lymphoma. The treatment of this lymphoma is on the same lines as that of follicular lymphoma, the most common type of low-grade non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL).

If there are no symptoms, watching and waiting may be the approach used, with regular monitoring. Once symptoms develop, the main treatment is with chemotherapy, and a number of drugs can be used.

The final treatment is decided after assessing numerous factors including the stage and prognosis, the severity of symptoms and cost of treatment. The majority of individuals with this lymphoma have a good response to treatment and a chance of long-term disease control.