Gastric lymphoma, MALT-lymphoma
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MALT-lymphoma (mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue lymphoma) is a malignant tumour arising from the lymphoid tissue. The tumour is mainly located in the stomach (in 55% of cases). Usually the illness has a favourable prognosis. In most cases, a complete endoscopic remission is possible without any surgical intervention.
The Booking Health portal presents 93 German clinics specializing in gastric lymphoma (MALT-lymphoma) treatment
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Gastric lymphoma (MALT-lymphoma) - Diagnostics
MALT-lymphoma can be detected and diagnosed with the help of various instrumental and laboratory techniques:
- Computed tomography is done to visualise a tumour and evaluate the extension of the oncological process.
- Blood tests for AIDS and hepatitis C
- Complete blood count is done to detect anemia, thrombocytopenia, and leucopenia
- Red bone marrow biopsy is performed in the case of abnormally low level of leukocytes, platelets, and erythrocytes in the blood
- Endoscopic examination of the stomach is performed simultaneously with the biopsy, where tissue samples are taken from 8-12 suspicious areas of the mucosa
In German hospitals, chromosome anomalies are determined by the so-called FISH method (fluorescence in situ hybridization). This is a necessary measure to determine a prognosis for the stomach MALT-lymphoma and choose the best possible therapeutic tactic.
It is noteworthy, that diagnostics remains necessary even after the treatment course. Gastric mucosa biopsy is performed again to assess the therapy results. Though, it’s done no earlier than in a few months after the treatment is over. Procedures are vital since lymphoid infiltration can remain for some time even after the complete remission.
Best clinics for the MALT-lymphoma diagnostics in Germany:
Gastric lymphoma (MALT-lymphoma) - Treatment
Antibacterial treatment. MALT-lymphoma treatment includes mandatory eradication therapy aimed to destroy the causative agent of peptic ulcer – Helicobacter Pylori.
The results of such treatment are:
- Complete endoscopic remission in 62% of cases
- Partial remission in 12% of cases
- Stabilization (ceased tumour growth) in 4% of cases
- Progression (tumour keeps on growing) in 2% of cases
Such a therapy takes a couple months. A patient is also prescribed antibiotics and proton pump inhibitors.
Radiation therapy is applied if MALT-lymphoma doesn’t disappear after the antibiotic treatment. It can either reduce the tumour size or completely destroy it. Radiation therapy is recommended at the early stages when a tumour is big and causes disturbing symptoms.The reduction of MALT-lymphoma size helps to significantly improve the patient’s quality of life during the therapy period.
Monoclonal antibodies. The drug called Rituximab is prescribed to reduce the size of MALT-lymphoma, if it reacts badly to eradication therapy with antibiotics.
Chemotherapy is used from the 3rd stage of MALT-lymphoma onwards. This tumour responds well to cytotoxic drugs and decreases in size after treatment.
Surgery is rarely used, as most patients can be cured without it. Surgical treatment is used if:
- MALT-lymphoma doesn’t respond to other treatment methods
- There are complications, like constant bleedings
- A tumour causes complete obstruction of the gastrointestinal tract
In this case, resection of the stomach or gastrectomy (complete removal of the stomach) is performed. After the treatment of MALT-lymphoma, a constant control of the disease is still needed. A biopsy of the stomach is done every 6 months for the first two years. Then another biopsy has to be done once a year.
Best clinics for the MALT-lymphoma treatment in Germany:
Gastric lymphoma (MALT-lymphoma) - Rehabilitation
Most patients require rehabilitation after the treatment of complex oncological diseases. It includes the following aspects:
- Prevention of complications that may occur as a result of treatment. It can be pneumonia, lymphostasis, thromboembolic or infectious complications.
- Restoration of general health. The elimination of the consequences after surgeries and chemotherapy is carried out. The functions of internal organs are restored with the help of various medical and rehabilitation measures.
- Restoration of occupation. A person must not just stay alive. He must have physical and intellectual capabilities, which are sufficient for employment.
- Psychological support. First of all, it is required for patients, whose occupational performance was harmed because of the disease. Patients with deterioration of appearance also will benefit from psychological help.
- Restoration of appearance. If necessary, you can use surgical and other methods in Germany to restore appearance defects caused by cancer. For example, to carry out the reconstruction of the breast.
- Social and domestic rehabilitation. A person with reduced workability is trained to act in the society and perform everyday tasks in new conditions.
In German clinics, rehabilitation is carried out in a comprehensive manner. The patients are provided with qualitative care here. Doctors' monitoring and conservative treatment allow to avoid complications, which usually happen after treatment of oncological diseases. Psychotherapy, physiotherapy and physical therapy are actively used in Germany.
Specialists in different medical spheres take part in the rehabilitation process. These are massage therapists, speech therapists, specialists in physiotherapy exercises, physiotherapists. Social and occupational therapy is carried out, as well. If necessary, people are taught how to eat properly, take care of a colostomy or urostomy, etc.
In Germany, rehabilitation is carried out with the maximum level of comfort for the patient. A person feels the results quite quickly and it improves his motivation and promotes further recovery.
Best clinics for oncological rehabilitation in Germany:
Author:
The article was edited by medical expert, board certified Dr. Nadezhda Ivanisova. For the treatment of the conditions referred to in the article you must consult a doctor; the information in the article is not intended for self-medication!
Sources:
The cost of services includes
Here you can find the cost of treatment for this disease at the German University Hospitals. Leave a request and we will provide a free consultation with a doctor and will start organizing the whole treatment process.
The program includes the following:
- Issuing of an invitation for getting a visa for treatment as quick as possible
- Fixing an appointment at a time convenient for you
- Preliminary organization of a comprehensive examination and discussion of the forthcoming treatment plan
- Arranging transfer from the airport to the hospital and back to the airport
- Provision of interpreting services and services of a personal medical coordinator
- If necessary, assistance in the organization of further surgical treatment
- Provision of a medical insurance against treatment complications covering up to 200,000 euro
- Preparation and translation of medical records and recommendations from the hospital
- Assistance in the subsequent communication with your attending physician, including consultations on repeated X-ray images through the unique medical document management system E-doc
