Simultaneous occurrence of primary diffuse large B-cell lymphoma and extranodal marginal zone (MALT) B-cell lymphoma in the gallbladder: a case report

Pathologica. 2009 Dec;101(6):230-4.

Abstract

Primary lymphoma of the gallbladder is extremely rare. We present an asymptomatic case of primary combined DLBCL--MALT lymphoma of the gallbladder in a 78-year-old man in whom definitive diagnosis was made with laparotomic cholecystectomy. Preoperative diagnosis was supported by NMR, CT and PET scans. The pathological report identified a polypoid lesion measuring 3.5 cm in diameter. A non-Hodgkin lymphoma with two different coexisting patterns was identified histologically: large diffuse B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) associated with focal areas of extranodal marginal zone B-cell lymphoma (MALT-type) of the gallbladder. The postoperative course was uneventful and the patient is currently without clinical or radiological signs of disease. Chemotherapy was not indicated due to cardiopathy. In conclusion, a primary gallbladder lymphoma is a rare entity. Radiological findings may be helpful, but cholecistectomy may be necessary for definitive diagnosis. In this report, we describe the possible association between MALT and DLBCL of the gallbladder.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Cholecystectomy, Laparoscopic
  • Gallbladder Neoplasms / pathology*
  • Gallbladder Neoplasms / surgery
  • Humans
  • Lymphoma, B-Cell, Marginal Zone / pathology*
  • Lymphoma, B-Cell, Marginal Zone / surgery
  • Lymphoma, Large B-Cell, Diffuse / pathology*
  • Lymphoma, Large B-Cell, Diffuse / surgery
  • Magnetic Resonance Imaging
  • Male
  • Neoplasms, Multiple Primary / pathology*
  • Neoplasms, Multiple Primary / surgery
  • Positron-Emission Tomography
  • Tomography, X-Ray Computed