Extranodal non-Hodgkin's lymphoma: A case series

Abstract

Introduction: Primary extranodal lymphoma (pENL), a type of Non-Hodgkin's lymphoma (NHL) are the group of malignant neoplasms that arise from tissues other than lymph nodes and alsofrom the sites devoid of normal lymphoid tissue. The incidence of extranodal lymphoma (ENL) has an increasing trend and it accounts for one-fourth of all NHL. Any anatomical site of the body can be source of origin for the ENL. The presence of distinct clinical features in many variants of pENL has varied etiology, some may be associated with microbial infection, immunodeficiency syndrome, auto-immune diseases etc. Case Report: We highlight case series of 13 patients presenting with pENL which we encountered in the span of three years. The diagnosis of these cases was made on histopathology and immunohistochemistry. Discussion: The term ENL encompasses a variety of morphological variants, molecular alterations, clinical presentations; thereby posing a diagnostic challenge. They require varied therapeutic approach due to organ specific problems. These cases are discussed in order to emphasize on the increased incidence of these primary extranodal lymphomas.