MALToma of the Transverse colon, Ascending colon and Caecum: A Case Report

Abstract

Background The stomach is the most common site formucosa - associated lymphoid tissue [MALT]  lymphoma (MALToma). MALToma of the colon is a rare occurrence. It is on this background that we  report this case.

Methods The case records a patient with a MALT lymphoma and a review of the literature on the subject using google, Medline and PubMed search as well as available literature on the subject were utilized.

Result We herein report a case of a 40-year-old male with mucosa - associated lymphoid tissue [MALT] lymphoma of the transverse colon, ascending colon and  caecum. He presented with severe abdominal  pains and a centrally located huge abdominal mass for which a surgical resection was done. Histologically the  tumour was diagnosed as colonic maltoma because of the presence of lymphoepithelial lesions made up of wide proliferation of atypical lymphocytes which are  infiltrating and destroying mucosal glands. Lymph nodes of the transverse mesocolon were involved. Patient was referred for surgical oncologic follow-up and  chemotherapy post-operatively.

Conclusion Colonic MALToma lS a very uncommon diagnosis in our environment and adequate surgical resection with adjuvant chemotherapy in cases with lymph node involvement is strongly advocated.

Keywords: Mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue lymphoma; MALToma; colon.