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Real members of MyLymphomaTeam have posted questions and answers that support our community guidelines, and should not be taken as medical advice. Looking for the latest medically reviewed content by doctors and experts? Visit our resource section.
A MyLymphomaTeam Member asked a question 💭
Marion, VA
June 5, 2025
 · 
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A MyLymphomaTeam Member

How are you Mike..any update on your journey

November 20, 2025
A MyLymphomaTeam Member

I was diagnosed with SMZL in 2012. After getting a second opinion we just tracked bloodwork and symptoms (primarily enlarged spleen). In 2019 bloodwork, spleen size, and then fatigue led to treatment with Rituximab. Withing months my spleen shrunk and bloodwork improved dramatically. Now back to just watching and tracking.

June 8, 2025
A MyLymphomaTeam Member

I have SMZL since 2002. Now in my CNS, taking oral chemo.

June 5, 2025
MyLymphomaTeam

Splenic Marginal Zone Lymphoma (SMZL) is a rare type of non-Hodgkin lymphoma, making up about 1-2% of all NHL cases. It's considered a slow-growing (low-grade) cancer that primarily affects the spleen, blood, and bone marrow.

Common symptoms include
- Pain in the abdomen or left shoulder
- Feeling full quickly when eating Show Full Answer

Splenic Marginal Zone Lymphoma (SMZL) is a rare type of non-Hodgkin lymphoma, making up about 1-2% of all NHL cases. It's considered a slow-growing (low-grade) cancer that primarily affects the spleen, blood, and bone marrow.

Common symptoms include:
- Pain in the abdomen or left shoulder
- Feeling full quickly when eating
- Discomfort in upper abdomen
- Enlarged spleen (splenomegaly) It's worth noting that about 25% of people don't have symptoms in early stages. The good news is that SMZL often has a positive outlook, and people can live many years with this condition. Sometimes, treatment isn't needed right away and doctors may recommend a "watch and wait" approach, especially if there are no active symptoms and blood cell counts are normal.

June 5, 2025

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