Lymphoma (Gastric)

Gastric lymphoma is a type of cancer that starts in the lymphatic tissue of the stomach, which is part of the body's immune system. It affects the stomach lining and can cause symptoms like abdominal pain, nausea, and sometimes bleeding. This condition involves the uncontrolled growth of lymphocytes, a type of white blood cell, which can form tumors in the stomach. It is less common than other stomach cancers but can significantly impact digestion and overall health. The disease often develops slowly and may be linked to chronic infections or inflammation in the stomach.

Gastric lymphoma is a malignant neoplasm arising from the lymphoid tissue within the stomach wall, most commonly representing a subtype of mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue (MALT) lymphoma or diffuse large B-cell lymphoma. It is frequently associated with chronic infection by Helicobacter pylori, which induces persistent antigenic stimulation leading to lymphoid proliferation and eventual malignant transformation. The disease is characterized by infiltration of the gastric mucosa and submucosa by monoclonal B lymphocytes, causing mucosal ulceration, thickening, or mass formation. Clinically, it presents with nonspecific gastrointestinal symptoms and may mimic other gastric malignancies or ulcers. The major clinical significance lies in its potential for local invasion, systemic spread, and the possibility of regression with eradication of H. pylori in early stages.