Mantle cell lymphoma is cancer that affects specific cells of the immune system. The management depends on the progression of the lymphoma and the condition of the person concerned.

Definition of mantle cell lymphoma

Mantle lymphoma, or mantle cell lymphoma, is a type of non-Hodgkin lymphoma. In other words, it is a cancer affecting the cells of the immune system, that is to say certain cells involved in the defense of the body.

In mantle lymphoma, the cells involved are the B lymphocytes responsible for producing antibodies. The term “mantle” refers to the location of the lymphoma since it develops in a specific area of ​​the lymph nodes called the “mantle area”.

The progression of mantle cell lymphoma is slow. It usually goes unnoticed for several years before it manifests.

Cause of mantle cell lymphoma

Mantle cell lymphoma is genetic. It is due to a genetic alteration called translocation: there is an exchange of segments between two chromosomes that do not belong to the same pair of chromosomes.

The translocation affects chromosomes 11 and 14, and causes too much production of a specific protein: cyclin D1. This anomaly results in an abnormal multiplication of B lymphocytes in the mantle zone.

Diagnosis of mantle cell lymphoma

A doctor may suspect the presence of non-Hodgkin lymphoma by physical examination. However, the diagnosis of mantle cell lymphoma usually needs to be confirmed by blood tests, medical imaging tests, and a biopsy (taking a tissue sample).

When diagnosed, there is often a disseminated form. Mantle cell lymphoma affects many areas of the body including the lymph nodes, bone marrow, spleen and blood. In some cases, damage to the digestive tract is also observed.

People affected by mantle cell lymphoma

Mantle cell lymphoma is a rare disease. In Western countries, it represents 6% of non-Hodgkin lymphomas. In France, it is estimated that the disease affects less than one in 100 people. Each year, around 000 new cases are diagnosed.

Mantle cell lymphoma most often appears after the age of 60. This disease preferentially affects the male sex with 3 men affected against 1 woman.

Swollen glands

Lymphatic lymphoma can remain asymptomatic for many years. When it does, swelling of one or more lymph nodes is a common symptom.

Other associated signs

Swollen lymph nodes may be accompanied by symptoms such as:

• persistent fever;
• night sweats;
• unexplained weight loss
• damage to the digestive tract resulting in abdominal pain, diarrhea, nausea or vomiting, and sometimes digestive bleeding.

The management depends on the progression of the lymphoma and the condition of the person concerned.

Medical supervision

In rare cases where mantle cell lymphoma is limited, management consists only of regular medical supervision.

Radiotherapy

When mantle cell lymphoma is localized, radiation therapy may be offered. This technique involves exposing the tumor area to rays that will destroy diseased cells.

Immunotherapy

In the majority of cases, immunotherapy is used. Its objective is to stimulate the body’s immune defenses to fight the development of cancer cells. 

Chemotherapy

Immunotherapy is most often combined with chemotherapy, which involves the use of chemicals to kill cancer cells.

Hematopoietic stem cell transplant

In young subjects, a hematopoietic stem cell transplant may be considered. These immature cells give birth to healthy blood and lymphatic cells.

To date, no preventive measure has been identified. Research is continuing to better understand the development of this type of lymphoma.