MALT (mucosa associated lymphoid tissue) type Lymphoma of the Ocular Adnexa

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: To report MALT (mucosa associated lymphoid tissue) type lymphoma in ocular adnexa. METHODS: This retrospective study included 11 patients (13 cases) of MALT type lymphoma between August 1995 and July 2000. We identified 11 lymphoma cases with MALT characteristics by conventional examination and immunohistochemical staining. Twelve cases were treated with partial excision and radiotherapy, one case with partial excision and chemotherapy. RESULTS: The patients consisted of 4 females and 7 males with an age range of 29~88 (average 48) years old. Mean follow up period was 24.8 (6~60) months following treatment. Eleven patients had ocular adnexal involvement at presentation; 7 eyes in conjunctiva, 5 eyes in orbit and one in eyelid. All cases represented extranodal marginal zone B-cell lymphoma by REAL classification. Control of lymphomas was achieved in all but 4 cases which developed recurrence after irradiation and chemotherapy, and were salvaged with further radiotherapy. Complications such as cataract, radiation retinopathy, ptosis and alopecia developed later in 4 eyes. CONCLUSIONS: Surgical excision and radiotherapy seemed to be effective for the treatment of primary ocular adnexal MALT lymphoma. Long-term follow up should be warranted.