Extranodal pulmonary marginal zone B-cell lymphoma

Area of Science:

• Oncology
• Pathology
• Immunology

Background:

• Extranodal mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue (MALT) lymphomas typically arise in epithelial tissues like the stomach, salivary glands, and lungs.
• While MALT lymphomas have a known predilection for various organs, involvement of the pelvis is exceptionally rare.

Observation:

• A 60-year-old male presented with pulmonary nodules and consolidation, initially suspected to be fungal infection (Candida geotrichum).
• Despite initial non-invasive evaluation, disseminated pulmonary nodules appeared over three years, prompting further investigation.
• A pelvic mass was subsequently identified and biopsied, alongside lung tissue, revealing MALT lymphoma in both sites.

Findings:

• Histopathological examination confirmed MALT lymphoma in both the pelvic mass and the pulmonary nodules.
• The patient survived for 5 years following the diagnosis of this rare extranodal MALT lymphoma presentation.
• Mediastinal lymph nodes showed lymphoid hyperplasia, distinct from the MALT lymphoma in the lung and pelvis.

Implications:

• This case expands the known anatomical sites for extranodal MALT lymphoma, particularly highlighting the pelvis as a potential, albeit uncommon, location.
• The findings underscore the importance of comprehensive diagnostic evaluation for patients with seemingly unrelated pulmonary and pelvic masses.
• Further research may be warranted to understand the specific factors contributing to MALT lymphoma development in unusual extranodal sites like the pelvis.