Primary malignant intestinal lymphoma.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Primary malignant intestinal lymphoma is an uncommon gut malignancy. Its incidence has been increasing over the past century. We in this study attempt to define its clinico-pathological profile and to share our experience with multidisciplinary approach to management. METHODS: Our experience of seven patients with a diagnosis of primary intestinal lymphoma over a period of 22 months is presented here. All the cases were followed up prospectively over a period varying from 8 months to 20 months. RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS: Of the 7 patients 4 were males and 3 females (mean age 56.3 years). Acute intestinal obstruction was the commonest presentation. Imaging modalities revealed abnormality in all the cases but were rarely diagnostic. Most patients presented at an early stage when the disease was confined to the bowel. The commonest site was the large intestine (42.6%) especially the caecum. Diffuse large cell, high grade tumour were found to be the commonest histological type. Surgery followed by adjuvant chemotherapy gave good results.