HIV-associated non-hodgkins lymphoma of the small intestines presenting as a pelvic mass: a case report

Abstract

Malignant tumors of the small intestines are uncommon. In this paper, an unusual  case of HIV-associated non-Hodgkin's lymphoma involving the small intestine, which atypically presented both clinically and by ultrasonographic examination as a mass suspected to be a slow-leaking ectopic pregnancy, is discussed. The definitive diagnosis of small bowel malignancy was only made at laparotomy. This case serves to draw the attention of surgeons and gynaecologists to the ever-increasing possibility of  HIV - associated malignancies presenting atypically as surgical or gynaecological conditions demanding a high index of suspicion for accurate diagnosis and proper management. As the incidence of HIV - associated malignancies continue to rise with the growing AIDS epidemic, it is inevitable that surgery will begin to play an  increasingly major role in their management.

Key words: HIV, Non-Hodghns, Lymphoma and small intestinal.