Article Text
Abstract
Plasmablastic lymphoma (PBL) is an uncommon and aggressive type of mature B cell lymphoma rarely involving gastrointestinal (GI) tract. Here, we describe a case of PBL involving the colon in HIV/Epstein-Barr virus negative immunocompetent patient who presented with anaemia and weight loss but no significant GI symptoms. It emphasises that even in the absence of classical risk factors, one should consider possibility of this condition as this is potentially curable. Also, we would like to highlight the diagnostic and treatment challenges of such an aggressive lymphoma in a frail elderly patient with multiple comorbidities.
- malignant disease and immunosuppression
- gastroenterology
- malignant and benign haematology
- colon cancer
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Footnotes
Twitter @pawanlekharaju
Contributors MDK was involved in gathering information from the patient’s medical notes and the hospital’s electronic systems, coming up with a title, writing whole manuscript, getting patient’s consent and background research. VL identified the case to be written up as it contained important learning points and critically reviewed the manuscript before submission. SN also kindly critically reviewed the case report prior to final submission.
Funding The authors have not declared a specific grant for this research from any funding agency in the public, commercial or not-for-profit sectors.
Case reports provide a valuable learning resource for the scientific community and can indicate areas of interest for future research. They should not be used in isolation to guide treatment choices or public health policy.
Competing interests None declared.
Provenance and peer review Not commissioned; externally peer reviewed.