Unusual colon manifestations of lymphosarcoma. Report of 2 cases.

Abstract

The clinical history and physical and roentgenographic findings in 2 patients with diffuse lymphosarcoma of the colon are presented. Roentgenographically the disease process may simulate familial polyposis, Peutz-Jeghers syndrome, ulcerative colitis, or mucous glands of the colon. Roentgenologic differentiation from ulcerative colitis may be particularly difficult. Absence of spasm and irritability of the colon may be noted during examination. Thickening of haustral folds and incomplete contraction of the emptied colon, often reported in diffuse lymphosarcoma, were not reliable differential signs. The polypoid defects varied in size from 1 mm. to 5 mm. When small defects were present, the roentgenograms of the barium-filled colon demonstrated a finely serrated “comblike” wall. With larger lesions the entire colon assumed a delicate lattice or “honeycomb” appearance.