C88: Malignant immunoproliferative diseases

C88.4: Extranodal marginal zone B-cell lymphoma of mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue [MALT-lyphoma]

Extranodal marginal zone B-cell lymphoma of mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue, commonly known as MALT lymphoma, is a type of non-Hodgkin's lymphoma that affects certain white blood cells in your body, B-cells. This condition is called 'extranodal' because it develops outside of the lymph nodes, often in areas of the body where lymphoid tissue shouldn’t normally be found, such as the stomach, salivary glands, thyroid, or lungs. MALT lymphoma can cause varied symptoms depending on where in the body it starts. For example, if it begins in the stomach, it may present as abdominal discomfort, lack of appetite, or weight loss. When it starts in the lungs, breathing difficulties may occur. This disease tends to grow slowly and typically remains confined to its original site for a long period. However, if left untreated, it may spread to other parts of the body.