Imaging of head and neck mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue lymphoma (MALToma)

Cancer Imaging. 2021 Jan 12;21(1):10. doi: 10.1186/s40644-020-00380-5.

Abstract

Marginal zone B-cell lymphoma of mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue (MALToma) arises in extranodal sites in the head and neck. Chronic inflammatory, infectious or autoimmune conditions are implicated in its pathogenesis. Within the head and neck, MALToma is often multifocal and indolent and the imaging appearances may be mistaken for non-malignant disease in the head and neck. The aim of this article is to illustrate the varied radiological and clinical features of MALToma in the head and neck, an awareness of which is needed for timely and correct diagnosis to guide subsequent disease management.

Keywords: Head and neck; Imaging; Marginal zone B-cell lymphoma; Mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Diagnosis, Differential
  • Diagnostic Imaging
  • Head and Neck Neoplasms / diagnostic imaging*
  • Head and Neck Neoplasms / pathology
  • Humans
  • Lymphoma, B-Cell, Marginal Zone / diagnostic imaging*
  • Lymphoma, B-Cell, Marginal Zone / pathology
  • Magnetic Resonance Imaging
  • Tomography, X-Ray Computed
  • Ultrasonography