Primary Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma OH the Lacrimal SAC: A Case Report

Primary non Hodgkin's lymphoma of the lacrimal sac

BACKGROUND

Primary Non Hodgkin's Lymphoma (NHL) of the lacrimal sac is rare.

METHODS

The clinical features of a 78 year old female who presented with epiphora and swelling of the left lacrimal sac are described.

RESULTS

Computerised tomography showed a mass involving the left lacrimal sac. Histopathological examination revealed a diffuse large B cell NHL. Immunohistological examination demonstrated B cell origin. Chemotherapy could not be administered due to co morbid conditions. The patient was treated with radiotherapy to a dose of 45 Gy in 25 fractions. Patient is disease free and on follow up after 36 months.

CONCLUSION

Primary radiotherapy is a treatment option with curative potential for localized NHL of the lacrimal sac and may be considered in patients who cannot tolerate appropriate chemotherapy.

Primary lymphoma of nasolacrimal drainage system: a case report and literature review

Primary lymphoma of the lacrimal drainage system (LDS) is an extremely rare condition. All of those previously reported have been of B-cell origin, with the exception of 1 case report of a natural killer/T-cell lymphoma in a Japanese woman. We report a 41-year-old Chinese woman who had a primary diffuse large B-cell non-Hodgkin lymphoma of left LDS. After 8 cycles of CHOP (cyclophosphamide [Cytoxan], doxorubicin hydrochloride [Adriamycin], vincristine, and prednisone) therapy and further 14 months' follow-up, the patient's conditions were stable without evidence of recurrence. After reviewing associated articles, an interesting finding which, to the best of our knowledge, has never been described before is that all the expired or recurrent cases of primary lymphoma of lacrimal drainage system are of women, including the only 1 case of natural killer/T-cell lymphoma. In our opinion, sex should be considered 1 of the prognostic factors in primary lymphoma of LDS. The relationship between this tumor and hormone response is to be determined.