Diffuse large B-cell lymphoma of the colon--a rare presentation

Area of Science:

• Oncology
• Gastroenterology
• Hematology

Background:

• Diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) commonly affects lymph nodes but can involve extra-nodal sites.
• The gastrointestinal tract is the most frequent extra-nodal site for DLBCL.
• Primary colonic DLBCL is an uncommon presentation with diagnostic and therapeutic challenges.

Observation:

• A middle-aged male presented with abdominal pain and pathological weight loss.
• Initial diagnosis suggested adenocarcinoma, leading to a hemi-colectomy.
• Final pathology confirmed DLBCL, necessitating a change in management.

Findings:

• DLBCL can mimic other gastrointestinal malignancies.
• Accurate pathological diagnosis is crucial for appropriate treatment.
• This case underscores the rarity and complexity of primary colonic DLBCL.

Implications:

• Early and accurate diagnosis of colonic DLBCL is vital for effective patient management.
• Understanding rare presentations of DLBCL improves diagnostic accuracy.
• Current therapeutic strategies for DLBCL should be considered in colonic presentations.