What is Mantle Cell Lymphoma (MCL)?
MCL is a rare cancer that starts in B cells from the outer region of a lymph node follicle called the mantle zone. B cells are a type of white blood cell that forms in the bone marrow, and are released into the bloodstream to help fight off germs. B cells pass through the lymphatic system, which includes the lymph nodes and spleen.
In MCL, too many abnormal B cells are created, which crowd out other healthy cells made in the bone marrow, like red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets and make it more difficult for healthy cells to do their jobs. This is what can lead to symptoms like feeling tired or getting sick more often.
1 of 200,000
people in the US are diagnosed with MCL each year
What are the types of MCL?
MCL has been categorized into two major subgroups:
Classical MCL
- A common type that involves the lymph node or other sites outside of the lymph nodes
- Associated with few IGHV gene mutations and presence of the SOX11 gene
- Becomes more aggressive, meaning the cancer grows more rapidly, if more mutations occur
Leukemic non-nodal MCL
- Seen in 10% to 20% of MCL cases
- Involves the peripheral blood, bone marrow, and an enlarged spleen
- Associated with IGHV gene mutations and lack of SOX11 gene
- Is known to be more indolent, which means the cancer grows relatively slowly
- Becomes more aggressive if more mutations occur
Risk factors
Some risk factors for MCL include the following:
Aging: The median age at diagnosis ranges from 60 to 70 years
Sex: MCL is diagnosed more often in males than in females
Race/ethnicity: there has been a higher incidence of MCL in non‑Hispanic White populations than in other racial groups
Certain autoimmune disorders, family history of blood cancer, and Borrelia burgdorferi infection
Genetic mutations: The genes IGHV and SOX11 are commonly involved in MCL, but more mutations can make cancer cells grow more rapidly
Please note that the risk factors listed above are not exhaustive.
