A case report of mantle cell lymphoma presenting as intussuscepting colon mass

Mantle Cell Lymphoma (MCL) is a non-Hodgkin lymphoma accounting for 2.5% of lymphoid neoplasms in the United States. Primary gastrointestinal (GI) lymphomas account for 1-4% of all GI malignancies, with few reports of primary mantle cell lymphoma presenting as a single colonic mass and none to our knowledge with colon-colonic intussusception as the presenting finding. Accurate and timely diagnosis is imperative because MCL has rapid progression and early chemotherapeutic intervention results in improved patient outcomes. This work is reported in line with the SCARE criteria [1] for case report publication.

A 61-year-old male presented with 1 month history of nonspecific right sided abdominal pain. Computed Tomography (CT) of the abdomen identified an intussuscepting mass in the proximal ascending colon and an additional 8 mm hepatic lesion. Colonoscopy identified a large mass in the corresponding area of colon identified on CT. Histology and immunohistochemistry of biopsied specimen diagnosed MCL.

Planned surgical intervention was deferred and the patient was referred for oncologic treatment. We report the first case to our knowledge of MCL presenting as colon-colonic intussusception and discuss the work-up of this rare lymphoma that clinicians may be required to diagnose and manage.

This report serves as a reminder to maintain a broad differential inclusive of uncommon diseases and unanticipated pathology. Practicing with a thorough understanding of medical principles and clinical acumen is essential for optimal patient care and, as demonstrated in this case, preventing a potentially unnecessary surgical intervention thus delaying appropriate chemotherapy.