title: Primary ALK positive anaplastic large cell lymphoma of the pancreas.
abstract: Here we present an unusual case of anaplastic lymphoma kinase positive anaplastic large cell lymphoma (ALCL), appearing as a primary tumor of the pancreas which invaded into the adjacent duodenal wall, causing upper gastrointestinal bleeding. After complete resection of the tumor (Whipple's operation), the patient received 4 cycles of CHOP chemotherapy. Currently, 2 years after diagnosis the patient still remains lymphoma free. Primary ALCL of the pancreas is very rare and has only been reported on one previous occasion. Nevertheless, lymphoma should be considered in the differential diagnosis of pancreatic tumors and an attempt to obtain tissue diagnosis is always necessary before continuing with radical surgery, especially in young patients.
authors.affiliation: Department of Hematology, Hadassah University Hospital, Ein Karem, P.O. Box 12000, Jerusalem, Israel.
authors.forename: Yossi
authors.initials: Y
authors.lastname: Cohen
authors.forename: Diana
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Libster
authors.forename: Gail
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Amir
authors.forename: Nurith
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Hiller
authors.forename: Nael
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Da'as
authors.forename: Dina
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Ben Yehuda
authors.forename: Aaron
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Polliack
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000971:Antineoplastic Combined Chemotherapy Protocols / Q000627:therapeutic use; D004379:Duodenal Neoplasms / Q000209:etiology / Q000628:therapy; D006801:Humans; D016130:Immunophenotyping; D017728:Lymphoma, Large-Cell, Anaplastic / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000473:pathology* / Q000628:therapy; D008297:Male; D009336:Necrosis; D009361:Neoplasm Invasiveness / Q000473:pathology; D010190:Pancreatic Neoplasms / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000473:pathology* / Q000628:therapy; D012074:Remission Induction / Q000379:methods