Imaging Findings of Thoracic Extranodal Lymphoma: A Pictorial Essay

Lymphoma is characterized by the neoplastic proliferation of lymphoid cells within the lymphatic system. When it infiltrates organs beyond the lymph nodes, it is called extranodal lymphoma. Extranodal lymphoma can affect various thoracic organs, including the lungs, pleura, chest wall, bony thorax, and breasts. This disease often presents with diverse imaging manifestations such as consolidation, nodules, masses, pleural or pericardial effusion, pleural thickening, pleural masses, large sternal masses, and breast masses. These findings may overlap with those of other thoracic conditions, posing challenges in the differential diagnosis. Given the critical importance of timely diagnosis and treatment in patients with lymphoma, distinguishing extranodal lymphoma from other diseases and evaluating the exact extent and distribution of lymphoma are crucial. This pictorial essay reviews the diverse thoracic involvement of extranodal lymphoma to facilitate diagnosis and appropriate treatment planning.