Primary pulmonary lymphoma in Peru

Area of Science:

• Pulmonology
• Oncology
• Pathology

Background:

• Primary pulmonary lymphoma (PPL) is a rare extranodal non-Hodgkin lymphoma.
• Diagnosis and management of PPL can be challenging due to its infrequent occurrence and nonspecific clinical presentation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To detail the clinical characteristics, diagnostic imaging, pathological findings, and treatment strategies for patients with PPL.
• To analyze outcomes and survival rates associated with different PPL subtypes and treatments.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective case series analysis of 24 patients diagnosed with PPL between 2000 and 2019.
• Review of clinical data, radiological findings, pathology reports, and treatment records.

Main Results:

• The most common clinical symptoms were cough and weight loss. Diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) was the most frequent subtype (47.8%).
• Radiological findings frequently included masses or consolidations with air bronchograms. Chemotherapy was the primary treatment modality in 60% of cases.
• Median survival was 30 months, with a 5-year survival rate of 45% overall, and up to 60% for mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue lymphoma.

Conclusions:

• PPL is rare with nonspecific clinical features, often presenting as a pulmonary mass or consolidation.
• Definitive diagnosis requires biopsy and immunohistochemistry. Treatment is individualized based on histology and stage.
• Survival rates differ significantly among PPL subtypes, highlighting the need for tailored therapeutic approaches.