Primary lymphoma of the colon.
Primary lymphoma of the colon is a rare tumor of the gastrointestinal (GI) tract and comprises only 0.2-1.2% of all colonic malignancies. The most common variety of colonic lymphoma is non-Hodgkin's lymphoma (NHL). The GI tract is the most frequently involved site, accounting for 30-40% of all extra nodal lymphomas, approximately 4-20% of which are NHL. The stomach is the most common location of GI lymphomas, followed by the small intestine. Early diagnosis may prevent intestinal perforation; however, the diagnosis is often delayed in most cases. Therapeutic approaches described in two subsets include: Radical tumor resection (hemicolectomy) plus multi-agent chemotherapy (polychemotherapy) in early stage patients, biopsy plus multidrug chemotherapy in advanced stage patients. Radiotherapy is reserved for specific cases; surgery alone can be considered as an adequate treatment for patients with low-grade NHL disease that does not infiltrate beyond the sub mucosa. Although resection plays an important role in the local control of the disease and in preventing bleeding and/or perforation, it rarely eradicates the lymphoma by itself. Those with limited stage disease may enjoy prolonged survival when treated with aggressive chemotherapy.
Department of General Surgery, Fr. Muller Medical College Hospital, Kankanady, Mangalore, India. drlftauro@rediffmail.com
Leo F
LF
Tauro
Harold W
HW
Furtado
Panambur S
PS
Aithala
Clement S
CS
D'Souza
Celine
C
George
Santhrupth H
SH
Vishnumoorthy
D003110:Colonic Neoplasms / Q000473:pathology* / Q000601:surgery*; D006801:Humans; D008228:Lymphoma, Non-Hodgkin / Q000473:pathology* / Q000601:surgery*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009367:Neoplasm Staging