About Mantle Cell Lymphoma

Mantle Cell lymphoma (MCL) is an aggressive, rare form of non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL) that arises from cells originating in the “mantle zone.” The mantle zone is the outer ring of small lymphocytes surrounding the center of a lymphatic nodule. MCL accounts for roughly six percent of all NHL cases in the United States.

Mantle Cell Lymphoma Symptoms

Mantle cell lymphoma can be difficult to detect early, as symptoms often resemble other illnesses. Many cases are diagnosed after routine bloodwork or imaging. Common symptoms include:

1. Swollen lymph nodes
2. Fatigue or weakness
3. Unexplained weight loss
4. Night sweats or fever
5. Abdominal pain or bloating
6. Loss of appetite
7. Changes in bowel habits

Mantle Cell Lymphoma Diagnosis

Frequently, mantle cell lymphoma is diagnosed at a later stage of disease and in most cases involves the gastrointestinal tract and bone marrow. Overproduction of a protein called cyclin D1 in the lymphoma cells is found in more than 90 percent of patients with MCL. Identification of excess cyclin D1 from a biopsy is considered a very sensitive tool for diagnosing MCL.

One-quarter to one-half of patients with MCL also have higher-than-normal levels of certain proteins that circulate in the blood, such as lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) and beta-2 microglobulin. Measuring these and other proteins can help physicians determine how aggressive an individual patient’s MCL is and may guide therapy decisions.

Treatment Options for MCL

1. Treatment for mantle cell lymphoma often depends on the stage of disease and overall patient health. Approaches may include:
   1. Targeted therapies, including BTK inhibitors
   2. Combination chemotherapy (such as R-CHOP or Hyper-CVAD)
   3. Immunotherapy
   4. Stem cell transplantation, especially in younger patients
   5. Active surveillance in certain low-risk, asymptomatic cases
   6. Participation in clinical trials may offer access to the latest treatments and innovations.

Learn More

To learn more about MCL, download the Mantle Cell Lymphoma Fact Sheet. Want to talk to someone? For answers to lymphoma-related questions 
and resources, contact our Helpline at (800) 500-9976 or helpline@lymphoma.org.