A 55-year-old woman with Sjogren syndrome develops a monoclonal IgM kappa paraprotein. The risk of progression to a lymphoid malignancy is highest for which tumour?
- A Diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (activated B-cell type)
- B Mantle cell lymphoma with t(11;14)
- C Marginal zone lymphoma of the salivary gland (MALT lymphoma) ✓
- D Burkitt lymphoma with MYC translocation
Correct answer: C. Marginal zone lymphoma of the salivary gland (MALT lymphoma)
Explanation
Sjogren syndrome is a chronic autoimmune sialadenitis with persistent antigen-driven B-cell stimulation in the salivary and lacrimal glands. Long-standing Sjogren disease carries a 40-fold increased risk of MALT-type (mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue) marginal zone B-cell lymphoma arising within the salivary gland, the same lymphomagenic mechanism as H. pylori-associated gastric MALT lymphoma. IgM paraprotein production reflects clonal B-cell expansion. DLBCL, MCL, and Burkitt lymphoma are not specifically linked to Sjogren syndrome as direct sequelae.
Reference: Robbins & Cotran Pathologic Basis of Disease, 10th ed.
High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP
Written and medically reviewed by the StethoPrep medical team.