Primary hepatic lymphoma- A diagnostic dilemma

Abstract

Primary non-Hodgkin lymphoma of liver is a very rare malignancy. Here we report the case of a 50 year old female who presented with dull ache in the right hypochondrium and decreased appetite since 1 month. CT scan of abdomen and pelvis showed an enlarged liver with an ill- defined soft tissue lesion arising from left lobe measuring 13 × 9 cm suggestive of primary hepatic neoplasm. CT scan of chest, abdomen, and pelvis and whole body positron emission tomography showed no involvement of bone marrow, lymph nodes, spleen, or any other organ. Her liver function tests, alpha fetoprotein and carcinoembryonic antigen levels were normal. Serology was negative for viruses. Pathological examination favored diagnosis of Burkitt's lymphoma. Cytogenetic studies for MYC translocation t (8;14) is suggested for confirming the diagnosis since Ki 67 index is > 70% and not nearly 100% which is characteristic of Burkitt's lymphoma.

Keywords: Burkitt's lymphoma; non- Hodgkin lymphoma; primary hepatic lymphoma.