Lymphomas and lymphoproliferative diseases of the lung

Primary Pulmonary B-Cell Lymphoma: A Review and Update

Simple Summary

The group of B-cell lymphomas primarily involving the lung encompasses different histological entities with distinct biological aspects, while sharing some clinical and radiological features related to their common anatomic site of occurrence. Recent molecular advances in the molecular genetics of these lesions have substantially improved of our understanding of the mechanisms of lymphomagenesis, adding novel information to histology in order to better characterize and manage these diseases. This review summarizes the available clinical, radiological, pathological, and molecular data on primary pulmonary B-cell lymphomas, discusses the mechanisms of lymphomagenesis, and highlights the role of a multi-disciplinary management in overcoming the diagnostic and therapeutic challenges in this setting.

Abstract

Primary pulmonary B-cell lymphomas (PP-BCLs) comprise a group of extranodal non-Hodgkin lymphomas of B-cell origin, which primarily affect the lung without evidence of extrapulmonary disease at the time of diagnosis and up to 3 months afterwards. Primary lymphoid proliferations of the lung are most often of B-cell lineage, and include three major entities with different clinical, morphological, and molecular features: primary pulmonary marginal zone lymphoma of mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue (PP-MZL, or MALT lymphoma), primary pulmonary diffuse large B cell lymphoma (PP-DLBCL), and lymphomatoid granulomatosis (LYG). Less common entities include primary effusion B-cell lymphoma (PEL) and intravascular large B cell lymphoma (IVLBCL). A proper workup requires a multidisciplinary approach, including radiologists, pneumologists, thoracic surgeons, pathologists, hemato-oncologists, and radiation oncologists, in order to achieve a correct diagnosis and risk assessment. Aim of this review is to analyze and outline the clinical and pathological features of the most frequent PP-BCLs, and to critically analyze the major issues in their diagnosis and management.

Application of flow cytometry in the analysis of lymphoid disease in the lung and pleural space

Various types of lymphoid neoplasms can occur in the lung. Lung parenchyma, the pleura or the pleural cavity can be the primary site of a lymphoid neoplasm or can be involved secondarily as a result of systemic dissemination from a separate primary site. Recognition of pulmonary lymphoid neoplasms (PLN) has increased secondary to technological advances in the medical field. Multiparameter flow cytometry (FC) is a one of the diagnostic tools that serves an essential role in the detecting and categorizing PLNs. FC allows for rapid identification and immunophenotypic characterization of PLN. In this article, we discuss the role of FC in the diagnosis of the most commonly encountered PLNs as well as their basic clinicopathologic features. We briefly discuss the role of FC in identifying non-hematolymphoid neoplasms in lung specimens as well.

Prognostic factors and nomogram for survival prediction in patients with primary pulmonary lymphoma: a SEER population-based study

Primary pulmonary lymphomas (PPLs) are rare lymphoproliferative malignancies arising from the lungs. The prognostic factors and optimal management of PPL have not been clearly defined due to its rarity. This study sought to characterize the significant prognostic factors and develop a validated nomogram for individualized prediction of survival outcomes in patients with PPL. A total of 2325 patients diagnosed with PPL between 1983 and 2010 were identified using the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) database. Older age at diagnosis, males, Hispanic race, non-marginal zone B-cell lymphoma of mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue histology, Ann Arbor stage IV were significantly associated with worse OS on multivariable analysis. All treatment modalities, including chemotherapy, surgery, and radiotherapy were independent predictors of survival on univariable analysis. The nomogram built demonstrated good discriminative ability and calibration, with the C-index of 0.690 and 0.730 in the training and validation cohorts, respectively.

Primary pulmonary lymphoproliferative neoplasms

Pulmonary lymphoproliferative neoplasms are rare lung tumors and account for <1% of all lung tumors. Among them, primary pulmonary lymphomas (PPL) constitute the majority, which include Non-Hodgkin's lymphoma (NHL) that comprise of mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue lymphoma, diffuse large B-cell lymphomas and other rare types of NHL and lymphomatoid granulomatosis. HL, which arises secondary to contiguous spread from the mediastinum, is the rarest type of PPL. Other entities described within the umbrella of pulmonary lymphoproliferative neoplasms include pleural lymphomas and posttransplant lymphoproliferative disorders (PTLD) - which occurs in the poststem cell and organ transplant patients. These neoplasms although rare, have a favorable prognosis, which does not depend on disease resectability. Moreover, with its nonspecific presentation, diagnosis is challenging, which often leads to delayed diagnosis or misdiagnosis in many cases. Therefore, knowledge of this entity is important for the practicing pulmonologist. This review article aims to describe the clinical presentation, diagnosis and management of primarily the entities within PPL, as well as pleural lymphomas and PTLD.