T lymphoblastic lymphoma of pleura: A report of two cases with review of literature

Abstract

Primary or secondary non-Hodgkin's lymphomas of the pleura are well known. Although secondary are more frequent to involve the pleura; primary pleural lymphomas [PPLs] are relatively rare in occurrence. Two types are discussed in literature: Primary effusion lymphoma in patients with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection and pyothorax associated lymphoma. Primary pleural lymphoma can be also seen in immunocompetent patients with no history of pyothorax or HIV infection. Primary T lymphoblastic lymphomas of pleura that too occurring in children are quite rare. One should keep in mind the differential diagnosis of PPL with unusual presentation and rare location in immunocompetent patients not only in adults but also in children. Herewith we discuss two cases of T lymphoblastic lymphoma in immunocompetent children who presented with pleural effusion and extensive thickening of the pleura but were not associated with pyothorax.