MALT lymphomas in 1997 - Where do we stand?

Steady advances in our scientific understanding of primary extranodal mucos a-associated lymphoid tissue-type lymphomas have been achieved during the p ast 14 years, Leading to their inclusion within the International Lymphoma Study Group (revised European-American classification of lymphoid neoplasms , known as REAL) classification as extranodal B-marginal zone lymphomas. Al though most cases conform to prototype criteria, exceptional cases, such as those discussed at the Fourth Slide Workshop of the Society for Hematopath ology on Extranodal Hematopoietic/Lymphoid Disorders, September 11-13, 1997 raise issues relating to microscopic, immunophenotypic, and clinical behav ioral limits for diagnostic criteria. Furthermore, questions about therapeu tic management have only begun to be addressed.