Mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue (MALT) variant of primary rectal lymphoma: a review of the English literature

H pylori-Negative MALT-Associated Extranodal Marginal Zone Lymphoma: A Comprehensive Case Report and Literature Review

Extranodal marginal zone B-cell lymphoma (ENMZL) of mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue (MALT), a rare subtype of B-cell lymphoma, is typically associated with Helicobacter pylori (H pylori) infection, especially in gastric cases. However, this article presents 2 unique cases of H pylori-negative colonic ENMZL, challenging the conventional understanding of the disease. The first case involves an 80-year-old male diagnosed with Stage 1E ENMZL in the descending colon, and the second describes a 74-year-old male with sigmoid colon ENMZL. Both cases lacked H pylori infection, adding complexity to their management. Accompanying these case studies is a comprehensive literature review, delving into the epidemiology, pathology, clinical features, diagnosis, and treatment of H pylori-negative ENMZL, with a focus on gastrointestinal involvement. This review highlights the importance of considering H pylori-negative cases in ENMZL diagnosis and management, illustrating the need for further research and individualized treatment approaches in this uncommon lymphoma subtype.

Focal hemolymphangioma of the rectum: A case report and literature review

RATIONALE

Gastrointestinal hemolymphangiomas are very rare, especially in the rectum. Only 3 cases of rectal hemolymphangioma, all of which are diffuse lesions, have been reported in the English literature on PubMed. Our case is the first focal lesion of the rectum. It is important for radiologists to correctly identify the imaging features of rectal hemolymphangiomas.

PATIENT CONCERNS

A 51-year-old woman visited our hospital because of intermittent constipation for 3 years.

DIAGNOSES

Colonoscopy revealed a prominent lesion on the left anterior wall of the lower rectum. Transvaginal color Doppler ultrasonography showed that the posterior vaginal wall area had a mixed-echo mass, and blood flow signals of the dots and stripes could be seen. Pelvic magnetic resonance imaging showed that the cystic space-occupying lesion in the region between the left anterior wall of the lower rectum and the posterior wall of the middle and lower vagina had a clear boundary.

INTERVENTIONS

The patient underwent surgery to remove the rectal lesions. The surgical specimen was finally diagnosed as local hemolymphangioma by pathological analysis.

LESSONS

Localized hemolymphangioma of the rectum is very rare, and imaging examination is essential for the diagnosis and evaluation of the extent of lesion invasion.

A submucosal lesion of the rectum: an unexpected MALT

A 57-year-old female was found a 12 mm × 10 mm submucosal lesion in the rectum with a smooth mucosa and telangiectasia The lesion was considered as a neuroendocrine tumor, and removed by endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) It was finally diagnosed with mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue (MALT) lymphoma with negative margin by pathological examination and histopathological test. MALT lymphoma in the rectum is rare and difficult to diagnose without histopathological test. In this case, the characteristic of this case is telangiectasia on the surface of lesion. Therefore, our findings suggested small lesion in rectum but big in impact.

Endoscopic and Histopathological Characteristics of Gastrointestinal Lymphoma: A Multicentric Study

Background: Extranodal non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL) is more prevalent in the gastrointestinal (GI) tract than in other sites. This study aimed to determine the endoscopic characteristics of primary gastrointestinal non-Hodgkin lymphomas. Methods: We investigated 140 patients from three tertiary referral hospitals with primary malignant lymphoma of the gastrointestinal tract. Characteristics of the lesions were evaluated and analyzed using image-enhanced endoscopy, endoscopic ultrasound, and histopathology. Results: The median age was 60.5 (range: 11-99), and 59 (42.1%) were female. The most frequent complaint was abdominal pain (74.3%), followed by bloody feces (10%) and diarrhea (2.9%). B symptoms were observed in 15 (10.7%) patients. GI obstruction was the most common complication (10.0%), followed by hemorrhage (7.9%) and perforation (1.5%). Regarding endoscopic findings, the identified sites were the following: the stomach (61.4%), colon (10%), small intestine (10%), ileocecum (8.6%), rectum (6.4%), and duodenum (3.6%). Diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) and mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue (MALT) lymphoma are most prevalent in the stomach. Helicobacter pylori was identified in 46 cases (39.0%), with MALT lymphoma being the most infected subtype. Nearly all gastrointestinal non-Hodgkin lymphomas manifested as superficial type (25-59.6%) and ulcer type (15.6-50%) under endoscopy. We found that fungating type and protruding with ulcer type were more frequent types of aggressive lymphomas (diffuse large B-cell lymphoma, mantle cell lymphoma, and T-cell lymphoma) compared to the indolent types (MALT lymphoma, follicular lymphoma, duodenal-type follicular lymphoma, and small lymphocytic lymphoma) (p < 0.05). Conclusions: This study showed that most subtypes of gastrointestinal non-Hodgkin lymphomas exhibited same endoscopic features (superficial type and ulcer type). Aggressive gastrointestinal non-Hodgkin lymphomas (diffuse large B-cell lymphoma, mantle cell lymphoma, and T-cell lymphoma) were highly suspected when fungating lesions and protruding with ulcer lesions were encountered under endoscopy. Endoscopists should be aware of the connection between enhanced endoscopic characteristics and histological varieties of gastrointestinal lymphoma to improve diagnosis.

Rare primary rectal mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue lymphoma with curative resection by endoscopic submucosal dissection: A case report and review of literature

BACKGROUND

Extranodal marginal zone lymphoma of mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue (MALT lymphoma) occurs in approximately 9% of non-Hodgkin B-cell lymphomas. The gastrointestinal tract is the most commonly affected site of the extranodal forms of primary non-Hodgkin’s lymphomas. However, it rarely occurs within the rectum, and at present, there is no consensus on its diagnosis and treatment at this site.

CASE SUMMARY

We report a rare laterally spreading tumour-like rectal MALT lymphoma case in which the diagnosis and the depth of infiltration were determined by magnifying endoscopy and ultrasonic endoscopy. Then, the lesion was en bloc resected by endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) alone. The lesion was confirmed as MALT lymphoma by haematoxylin and eosin staining, immunohistochemical staining and gene arrangement analysis. Surveillance exams have indicated a 2-year disease-free survival for this patient.

CONCLUSION

We report a rare primary rectal MALT lymphoma that was curable with resection by ESD. ESD is a safe and effective therapeutic option for rectal MALT lymphoma.

Successful treatment of an enormous rectal mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue lymphoma by endoscopic full-thickness resection: A case report

BACKGROUND

Colorectal mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue lymphoma (MALToma), a rare kind of nongastric MALToma, lacks consensus on its endoscopic features and standard therapies. According to previous studies on the clinical characteristics and outcomes of colorectal MALToma, endoscopic resection remains a good therapeutic strategy.

CASE SUMMARY

A 71-year-old woman suffered intermittent hematochezia for 1 mo, accompanied with abdominal pains but without weight loss, fever, chills or fatigue. Colonoscopy showed a massive hemispheric mass with rough and hyperemic mucosa in the lower rectum. Narrow-band imaging magnifying endoscopy detected some branching abnormal blood vessels and disappearance of glandular structure, which was similar with the tree-like appearance sign in gastric MALToma. Endoscopic ultrasonography revealed the lesion to be hypoechoic, boundary-defined, and echo uniform inside, originating from the muscularis propria. Abdominal enhanced computed tomography (CT) demonstrated a soft tissue mass with defined boundary. No enlarged superficial lymph nodes were detected by B-mode ultrasound. C¹³-urea breath test and serum Helicobacter pylori antibody were both negative. The patient underwent endoscopic full-thickness resection. Postoperative pathological analysis indicated colorectal MALToma. The patient remained asymptomatic after discharge, and follow-up positron emission tomography–CT and colonoscopy showed no residual lesion, remnants or lymph node metastasis.

CONCLUSION

This case provides new information on the specific endoscopic features of colorectal MALToma and an alternative treatment for patients.

Mucosa-Associated Lymphoid Tissue (MALT) Lymphoma in the Gastrointestinal Tract in the Modern Era

Extranodal marginal zone lymphoma of mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue (MALT lymphoma) typically arises from sites such as the stomach, where there is no organized lymphoid tissue. Close associations between Helicobacter pylori and gastric MALT lymphoma or Campylobacter jejuni and immunoproliferative small intestinal disease (IPSID) have been established. A subset of tumors is associated with chromosomal rearrangement and/or genetic alterations. This disease often presents as localized disease, requiring diverse treatment approaches, from antibiotic therapy to radiotherapy and immunochemotherapy. Eradication therapy for H. pylori effectively cures gastric MALT lymphoma in most patients. However, treatment strategies for H. pylori-negative gastric MALT lymphoma are still challenging. In addition, the effectiveness of antibiotic therapy has been controversial in intestinal MALT lymphoma, except for IPSID. Endoscopic treatment has been noted to usually achieve complete remission in endoscopically resectable colorectal MALT lymphoma with localized disease. MALT lymphoma has been excluded from post-transplant lymphoproliferative disorders with the exception of Epstein–Barr virus (EBV)-positive marginal zone lymphoma (MZL). We also describe the expanding spectrum of EBV-negative MZL and a close association of the disease with the gastrointestinal tract.

Laterally spreading tumor-like primary rectal mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue lymphoma: A case report

BACKGROUND

Colorectal mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue (MALT) lymphoma is a rare disease, and only a few cases have been reported to date. It has no specific clinical presentations and shows various endoscopic appearances. There is no uniform consensus on its treatment. With the advancement of endoscopic technology, endoscopic treatment has achieved better results in individual case reports of early-stage patients.

CASE SUMMARY

We report a case of rectal MALT in a 57-year-old Chinese man with no symptoms who received endoscopy as part of a routine physical examination, which incidentally found a 25 mm × 20 mm, laterally spreading tumor (LST)-like elevated lesion in the rectum. Therefore, he was referred to our hospital for further endoscopic treatment. Complete and curable removal of the tumor was performed by endoscopic submucosal dissection. We observed enlarged and dilated branch-like vessels similar to those of gastric MALT lymphoma on magnifying endoscopy with narrow-band imaging. And immunopathological staining showed hyperplastic capillaries in the mucosa. Histopathological findings revealed diffusely hyperplastic lymphoid tissue in the lamina propria, with a visible lymphoid follicle structure surrounded by a large number of diffusely infiltrated lymphoid cells that had a relatively simple morphology and clear cytoplasm. In addition, immunohistochemical analysis suggested strongly positive expression for CD20 and Bcl-2. Gene rearrangement results showed positivity for IGH-A, IGH-C, IGK-B, and IGL. Taking all the above findings together, we arrived at a diagnosis of extranodal marginal zone B-cell lymphoma of MALT lymphoma. Positron emission tomography-computed tomography examination showed no other lesions involved. The patient will be followed by periodic endoscopic observation.

CONCLUSION

In conclusion, we report a case of rectal MALT with an LST-like appearance treated by endoscopic submucosal dissection. Further studies will be needed to explore the clinical behavior, endoscopic appearance, and treatment of rectal MALT.

Synchronous colonic mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue lymphoma found after surgery for adenocarcinoma: A case report and review of literature

BACKGROUND

Mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue (MALT) lymphoma is a subtype of non-Hodgkin lymphoma that is mainly involved in the gastrointestinal tract. The synchronous occurrence of colonic MALT lymphoma and adenocarcinoma in the same patient is extremely rare. We here report a case of synchronous colonic MALT lymphoma found on surveillance colonoscopy five months after surgery and chemotherapy for sigmoid adenocarcinoma.

CASE SUMMARY

A 67-year-old man was admitted because of hematochezia for two months. Colonoscopy suggested a colonic tumor before hospitalization. Abdominal computed tomography (CT) revealed local thickening of the sigmoid colon. The patient underwent a left hemicolectomy with local lymph node dissection. The histopathology revealed moderately differentiated adenocarcinoma and partially mucinous adenocarcinoma. The pTNM stage was T3N1Mx. The patient received chemotherapy with six cycles of mFOLFOX6 after surgery. Colonoscopy was performed five months later and revealed single, flat, polypoid lesions of the colon 33 cm away from the anus. Subsequently, the patient underwent endoscopic mucosal resection for further diagnosis. The pathological diagnosis was MALT lymphoma. Positron emission tomography /CT suggested metastasis. The patient refused further treatment and died ten months later.

CONCLUSION

Colonic MALT lymphoma may occur after surgery and chemotherapy for adenocarcinoma as a synchronous malignancy. Regular surveillance colonoscopy and careful monitoring after surgery are critical.

Colonic Mucosa-associated Lymphoid Tissue Lymphoma Treated by Radiation Therapy: Report of a Case and Literature Review

Mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue (MALT) lymphoma predominantly involves the gastrointestinal tract, with the stomach being the most commonly affected site. Colonic involvement is quite rare. Hence, the etiology, clinical characteristics, treatment, and outcome of colonic MALT lymphoma are not well established. This paper reports a case of MALT lymphoma of the transverse colon, presenting as a subepithelial tumor in a 50-year-old woman. The patient received 3,060 cGy in 17 fractions with external beam radiation therapy for three weeks. At 2 months after radiation therapy, a colonoscopy examination revealed complete resolution and a scar change of the lesion. The follow-up at 24 months revealed no evidence of tumor recurrence after radiation therapy.

Colonic mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue lymphoma: a case series

 = 1). Remission was achieved in 8 cases. Three patients relapsed, and 2 were re-treated. At the end of the study period, 67% of the patients were in remission. All patients were symptom-free. This current series of colonic MALT lymphomas shows the indolent nature of the disease, which may be treated with various modalities.

Clinicopathological characteristics of diffuse large B-cell lymphoma involving small and large intestines: an analysis of 126 patients

We analyzed the clinicopathologic characteristics of 136 intestinal diffuse large B-cell lymphomas (DLBCLs) among 126 patients. The DLBCL sites were categorized as: duodenum (n = 23), ileocecal region (n = 63), other small intestine (n = 29), rectum (n = 7), and other large intestine (n = 14). Patients with DLBCLs of the ileocecal region or other small intestine frequently underwent surgery for ileus or perforations (P < 0.001), were predominantly male (P = 0.042), and had a higher incidence of limited-stage disease (P = 0.001), lower International Prognostic Index (P = 0.015), and lower incidence of lactate dehydrogenase elevation (P = 0.007) than those with DLBCLs of other regions. Half of the intestinal DLBCLs exhibited the germinal center B-cell phenotype. A low-grade B-cell lymphoma background was found in 21% of the cases; the prevalence was significantly lower in the ileocecal region (13%, P = 0.025), suggesting a higher incidence of de novo DLBCLs. Intestinal follicular lymphoma (FL) and mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue (MALT) lymphoma backgrounds were observed in 10% and 0% of the cases, respectively. Five percent (5/107) of intestinal DLBCL cases were Epstein-Barr virus-encoded RNA-1 positive. The clinicopathologic characteristics of the DLBCLs differed by region. Histologic transformation of intestinal FL was observed in around 10% of the intestinal DLBCL cases.

Mass-forming mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue lymphoma of the cecum treated by laparoscopy-assisted bowel resection

Colonic mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue (MALT) lymphoma is very rare, especially those which form a mass. Although the characteristics and treatment methods of gastric MALT lymphomas are well established, those of colonic MALT lymphomas have been insufficiently described. Here, we report a case of mass-forming cecal MALT lymphoma that was successfully treated by laparoscopy-assisted bowel resection. A 60-year-old woman with right lower abdominal pain and a palpable tumor was referred to our hospital. Colonoscopy showed a smooth elevated submucosal tumor-like lesion in the cecum. Histological and immunochemical findings were consistent with MALT lymphoma. Serum tumor marker levels were within normal range. Enhanced abdominal computed tomography showed a large tumor 55 mm in diameter in the cecum and edema of a few paracolic lymph nodes. The tumor was diagnosed as cecal MALT lymphoma classified as stage II1 by Lugano classification, and laparoscopy-assisted ileocecal resection was performed. The postoperative course was uneventful and the patient underwent eradication therapy for Helicobacter pylori. A year after the operation she has had no recurrence. In patients with mass-forming colonic MALT lymphoma without dissemination, surgical resection may be a feasible treatment.

Transanal Endoscopic Microsurgery for Patients with Rare Rectal Tumors

BACKGROUND

Transanal endoscopic microsurgery (TEM) has been accepted worldwide for the treatment of local rectal lesions. Rare rectal tumors consist of several different types of malignant or benign tumors. Surgical management is considered to be the only curative option. The aim of this study is to investigate the role of TEM in the treatment of rare rectal tumors.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A total of 147 patients with rare rectal tumors underwent TEM in our center from April 2006 to May 2017. Clinical data were collected and a retrospective accurate database was constructed. Demographic characteristics, operative details, tumor details, complications, and follow-up data were analyzed.

RESULTS

Seventy-eight patients were male. Mean tumor diameter was 1.2 ± 0.7 cm and mean distance from the anal verge was 6.6 ± 2.3 cm. Full-thickness and complete resection with negative margins was achieved in all patients. Complications occurred in 3 patients during surgery and in 20 patients after surgery. Histopathologic results were neuroendocrine tumors in 104 patients; gastrointestinal stromal tumors in 35; melanoma, lymphoma, and leiomyoma each in 2; lipoma, and squamous carcinoma each in 1. One hundred thirty-five patients were followed up for 49.3 ± 33.2 months. Two patients died, 1 had local recurrence and 1 had a rectovaginal fistula 1 month after surgery. No local recurrence or metastasis, or fecal incontinence was observed in the remaining patients.

CONCLUSION

TEM is an optimal treatment option for selected rare rectal tumors. The complication rate is low and the therapeutic effect is satisfactory.