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Secondary polycythaemia associated with large cell lymphoma
Medical and Pediatric Oncology
|January 1, 1985
Summary
This case study reports a rare association between early stage large cell lymphoma and secondary erythrocytosis. Chemotherapy for the lymphoma resolved the elevated red blood cell counts, suggesting a direct link.
Area of Science:
- Hematology
- Oncology
Background:
- Secondary erythrocytosis, or polycythemia, is characterized by an elevated red blood cell mass.
- While various conditions can cause secondary polycythemia, its association with lymphoma is uncommon.
Observation:
- A 53-year-old woman presented with early-stage large cell lymphoma.
- Investigations revealed significantly elevated hemoglobin, red cell count, and hematocrit, indicative of erythrocytosis.
- Other myeloproliferative disorders and common causes of secondary polycythemia were ruled out.
Findings:
- The patient's blood counts normalized following combination chemotherapy for the lymphoma.
- This suggests a direct relationship between the lymphoma and the development of secondary erythrocytosis.
Implications:
- This case highlights a potential, previously undescribed, paraneoplastic syndrome associated with lymphoma.
- Further research may elucidate the mechanisms linking lymphoma and erythrocytosis.
- Clinicians should consider lymphoma in the differential diagnosis of unexplained secondary erythrocytosis.