A decade in disguise masquerading as recurrent pneumonia
Dr Aneri Parekh1, Dr Pritinanda Mishra2, Dr Mahismita Patro3
1Department of Pulmonary Medicine and Critical care, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Bhubaneswar, India.
Abstract:
Primary pulmonary lymphoma (PPL) is a rare type of lymphoma, representing <1 % of all primary lung cancers. Mucosa associated lymphoid tissue (MALT) lymphoma, the most common type of PPL, has an indolent slow growing course over years leading to frequent misdiagnoses. We report a similar case of a 45 years-old-man with a protracted course of intermittent cough and dyspnoea, masquerading as recurrent pneumonia over 10 years. A dig into his prior records revealed consolidation of right lower lobe that had slowly progressed to involve other lobes with new cavitation. A transthoracic biopsy confirmed it as MALT lymphoma. This case highlights the unusual manifestation in MALT lymphoma (being in disguise for a decade prior to diagnosis), thus emphasizing the role of meticulous evaluation of prior medical records and biopsy.
Insights
Primary pulmonary lymphoma (PPL) is rare, often misdiagnosed due to slow growth. This case highlights a decade-long misdiagnosis of MALT lymphoma as pneumonia, emphasizing thorough medical record review and biopsy.
Area of Science:
- Pulmonology
- Oncology
- Pathology
Background:
- Primary pulmonary lymphoma (PPL) is a rare malignancy, accounting for less than 1% of primary lung cancers.
- Mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue (MALT) lymphoma is the most common PPL subtype, characterized by indolent growth and potential for delayed diagnosis.
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