Role of chemotherapy in the management of primary rectal lymphoma: a case report and review of the literature

Abstract

Introduction: Primary rectal lymphoma is a rare disease. In this paper we present an unusual case of primary rectal lymphoma which was managed with chemotherapy and discussed by a thorough review of the related literature.

Cases presentation: An 85-years-male patient was diagnosed in Sidi Mohammed Ben Abdellah Hospital as having diffuse large B-cell lymphoma of the rectum at a bulky stage two. This patient was managed successfully with 8 treatment cycles of Cyclophosphamide 750 mg/m2 at day 1 of each cycle, Doxorubicin (50 mg/m2 in the first 4 cycles and 25 mg/m2 in the subsequent cycles) at day 1 of each cycle, Vincristine 1.4 mg/m(2 )at day 1 of each cycle, and prednisone 50 mg/m(2 )at day 1 to 5 of each cycle.

Conclusion: The optimal treatment of primary rectal lymphoma needs more research studying to be achieved.

Figure 1

Peri-anal ulcerative-vegetative tumour measured 10 × 10 × 4 cm.

Figure 2

Enlarged lymph nodes in the inguinal area (see arrow).

Figure 3

Pelvic computed tomography scan performed before chemotherapy treatment shows the Bulky anorectal process (see arrows).

Figure 4

Pelvic computed tomography scan performed before chemotherapy treatment shows the Bulky anorectal process with enlarged lymph nodes in the inguinal areas (see arrows).

Figure 5

Pelvic computed tomography scan performed after the end of chemotherapy shows complete radiological response of the ano-rectal tumour.