The gastrointestinal manifestations and complications of malignant lymphoma

Malignant lymphoma involves the gastrointestinal tract as a primary or secondary in the course of disseminated lymphoma. Although primary lymphoma has received the most attention in the literature, secondary lymphoma of the gastrointestinal tract is much more common. The gastrointestinal manifestations and complications are a common problem and there is a lack of information as to diagnosis, management and prognosis. Intensive application of currently-available diagnostic techniques including radiology, cytology, endoscopy, biopsy and gastric secretory studies should be pursued for the evaluation of patients with lymphoma. The management of the multiple gastrointestinal complications such as monilial esophagitis, hemorrhagic gastritis, stress erosions, intestinal perforation, diarrhea, malabsorption and radiation damage that may then affect the gastrointestinal tract in the course of malignant lymphoma or its treatment requires very careful supportive management. Each modality of tretment for lymphoma may be associated with a variety of complications which compromise the structure and function of the gastrointestinal tract and which may be at times more devastating than the underlying neoplasm. Early recognition and active treatment of these complications is vital.