Mantle cell lymphoma (MCL) is a rare subtype (6%) of non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma, which is a cancer of the lymphatic system (immune system). The lymphatic system produces lymphocyte cells (B-cells and T-cells) that normally help protect the body against infection and disease and is composed of lymph nodes and blood vessels, the thymus, spleen, tonsils and adenoids, and some areas of the intestines.
In mantle cell lymphoma, which grows slowly, the B-cell lymphocytes that are situated in an area of the lymph node known as the mantle zone develop abnormalities and become cancerous, causing enlarged lymph nodes, and eventually spreading widely throughout the lymphatic system and other areas of the body, such as the skin, small intestine, liver, bone marrow, and other organs.
Mantle cell carcinoma mainly occurs in males over the age of 50.
Mantle cell lymphoma is categorized by the following stages:
Stage I – This stage of mantle cell lymphoma indicates early disease where the cancer is in only one lymph node region, one organ, or one area outside of the lymph node region.
Stage II – This stage of mantle cell lymphoma represents locally advanced disease in which the cancer has spread (metastasized) to more than one lymph node region above or below the diaphragm or has spread to one organ or one area outside of the lymph node region.
Stage III – In this stage of mantle cell lymphoma, the cancer has spread (metastasized) to lymph node regions both above and below the diaphragm, and possibly the spleen or an organ or other area of the body.
Stage IV – In this stage of mantle cell lymphoma, the cancer has spread (metastasized) widely throughout one or more organs or areas of the body and may or may not involve lymph nodes.
Mantle cell lymphoma is further described by either A (no systemic symptoms) or B (significant systemic symptoms, such as persistent fever, unexplained weight loss, and drenching night sweats). An additional category E indicates that the cancer has spread (metastasized) to one organ outside of the lymphatic system.