Immunoproliferative small intestinal disease, also called Mediterranean lymphoma, is the most common lymphoma diagnosed in the Middle East and Africa. It affects primarily young patients with a median age of 30. To establish a diagnosis of immunoproliferative small intestinal disease, or any primary gastrointestinal tract lymphoma, there must be an absence of peripheral or mediastinal adnopathy and a normal white blood cell count. More than half of patients with Mediterranean lymphoma present with an abdominal mass. Immunoproliferative small intestinal disease usually involves the entire small intestine as the disease infiltrates and spreads throughout the mucosa of the small bowel.
Chemotherapy is the mainstay of treatment.
However, there are reports of successful utilization of whole abdominal radiotherapy. Surgery is usually reserved for symptoms such as obstruction, bleeding or perforation. The information provided through OncoLink should not be used for diagnosing or treating a health problem or a disease. It is not a substitute for professional care. If you have or suspect you may have a health problem, you should consult your health care provider.