Disease state resources
Marginal zone lymphoma (MZL) fact sheet

December 11, 2025

Marginal zone lymphoma (MZL) is a slow-growing form of non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL) that develops when white blood cells cluster together to form lumps in the lymphoid tissue.

MZL occurs when B cells in the marginal zone mutate and become abnormal cells that multiply excessively.

These abnormal cells continue to grow in a slow and uncontrolled manner and crowd in lymphoid tissue in the skin, lymph nodes and spleen.

Incidence

MZL is the third most common form of NHL, accounting for about 7% of all NHL cases.

Old age

Most patients with MZL are diagnosed at a median age of 67.

Symptoms

	Weight loss		Fever

	Night sweats		Fatigue

Diagnosis

Blood tests are needed to receive accurate diagnosis and additional tests may include:

Bone marrow

Lymph node biopsy

imaging test

Imaging test such as a CT scan

Initial treatment options

For patients living with MZL, treatment is evaluated by your healthcare practitioner to extend remission and survival. There are several options and combinations available including:

Chemotherapy

Chemotherapy

Immunotherapy

Immunotherapy

Targeted therapies

If your disease progresses, it may transform into a more aggressive lymphoma.

Treating Relapsed/Refractory (R/R) MZL

Despite recent advances, those living with MZL can relapse or become refractory (R/R) to initial therapies. Several new treatment options including personalized therapies have shown promise in the treatment of certain types of blood cancer.

While remission is possible, relapses are common with advanced-stage MZL. The median survival for those with MZL that often experience multiple relapses is 3 to 5 years.

It is important for people with MZL to understand their disease, recognize signs and symptoms and talk to a healthcare professional as soon as they are in need of a treatment option.

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Download marginal zone lymphoma fact sheet