Colorectal Lymphoma: A Contemporary Case Series

Area of Science:

• Gastroenterology
• Oncology
• Hematology

Background:

• Colorectal lymphomas are uncommon malignancies.
• Their presentation and management, especially in post-transplant lymphoproliferative disorder (PTLD), lack established guidelines.
• This study addresses the need for evidence-based insights into colorectal lymphoma.

Purpose of the Study:

• To characterize the clinical presentation, diagnostic methods, and treatment strategies for colorectal lymphoma.
• To identify specific differences in presentation and outcomes for patients with PTLD.
• To provide data that may inform future management guidelines.

Main Methods:

• A retrospective review of 52 patients diagnosed with colorectal lymphoma between 2000 and 2017 across four hospitals.
• Data collection included patient demographics, clinical presentation, histology, treatment pathways, and outcomes.
• Statistical analysis focused on overall survival, recurrence, and complications.

Main Results:

• Rectal bleeding, abdominal pain, and diarrhea were common presentations; the cecum was the most frequent site.
• Diffuse large B-cell lymphoma and mantle cell lymphoma were the most common histologies.
• Patients with mass lesions had a higher risk of urgent resection (35% vs. 8%). Overall survival was 77 months, but shorter for immunosuppressed patients (16 vs. 96 months).

Conclusions:

• Colorectal lymphoma management is variable, with poorer outcomes associated with noncecal involvement and chronic immunosuppression.
• Cecal masses pose a higher risk for urgent intervention, suggesting primary resection should be considered.
• Further research is needed to establish optimal treatment protocols for this rare condition.