Colonic mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue lymphoma: a case series

Primary colonic mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue (MALT) lymphoma accounts for less than 0.5% of all colon cancers. We report 9 cases of colonic MALT lymphomas (median follow up: 9 [IQR 1-26] years). The disease was multi-focal in 4 patients: the most frequent sites were the cecum in 4 and the rectum in 3 patients. The main endoscopic finding was a polypoid lesion. The treatment modalities were rituximab +/- an alkylating agent (n = 5), an alkylating agent alone (n = 2), surgical resection (n = 1), and endoscopic resection (n = 1). Remission was achieved in 8 cases. Three patients relapsed, and 2 were re-treated. At the end of the study period, 67% of the patients were in remission. All patients were symptom-free. This current series of colonic MALT lymphomas shows the indolent nature of the disease, which may be treated with various modalities.