GI Lymphoma: Definition, Uses, and Clinical Overview

GI Lymphoma is a cancer of lymphocytes (a type of white blood cell) that involves the gastrointestinal (GI) tract. It can arise in the stomach, small intestine, colon, or less commonly other digestive organs. The term is commonly used in gastroenterology, hematology/oncology, pathology, radiology, and GI surgery to describe and classify these tumors.

MALT Lymphoma: Definition, Uses, and Clinical Overview

MALT Lymphoma is a type of lymphoma that arises from immune cells in mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue. It most often involves the stomach, but it can occur in other mucosal organs. In gastroenterology, it is commonly discussed when evaluating chronic gastritis and unusual gastric ulcers or thickened folds. It is typically considered an indolent (slow-growing) B-cell malignancy, but behavior varies by case.

Eosinophilic Gastroenteritis: Definition, Uses, and Clinical Overview

Eosinophilic Gastroenteritis is an inflammatory condition where eosinophils build up in parts of the gastrointestinal (GI) tract. It is discussed in gastroenterology when unexplained abdominal symptoms are paired with tissue eosinophilia on biopsy. It most often involves the stomach and small intestine, but other GI segments can be affected. It is used clinically as a diagnosis after other causes of GI eosinophilia are considered and excluded.

Autoimmune Pancreatitis: Definition, Uses, and Clinical Overview

Autoimmune Pancreatitis is a form of pancreatitis driven by immune-mediated inflammation rather than alcohol, gallstones, or infection. It can mimic pancreatic cancer because it may cause a pancreatic mass, duct narrowing, and jaundice. It is commonly discussed in gastroenterology, hepatology, radiology, pathology, and pancreatic surgery. It is important because it is often steroid-responsive and may involve other organs.

Polycystic Liver Disease: Definition, Uses, and Clinical Overview

Polycystic Liver Disease is a condition where many fluid-filled cysts develop throughout the liver. A cyst is a sac lined by cells that contains fluid, and in this disease the cysts are typically non-cancerous. It is most often discussed in hepatology and nephrology because it can occur with autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease (ADPKD). Clinicians use the term to describe a spectrum from mild, incidental cysts to extensive cyst burden that causes symptoms from “mass effect.”