Primary extranodal non-Hodgkin's lymphoma of the vagina: a case report and a review of the literature

Acta Haematol. 2012;128(1):33-8. doi: 10.1159/000337336. Epub 2012 May 15.

Abstract

Primary lymphoma of the female genital tract is very rare. We report the case of a 36-year-old woman who was referred to our hospital because of an indeterminate Pap smear test. The colposcopy showed a thickening of the posterior vaginal wall and various irregular ulcerated nodular lesions. Histological examination, immunohistochemistry and the staging procedures were conclusive of diffuse large B-cell lymphoma of the vagina, stage IEA. Complete remission was achieved after 6 cycles of immunopolychemotherapy (rituximab, cyclophosphamide, doxorubicin, vincristine and prednisone). No relapse has occurred during a follow-up of 71 months. Moreover, we reviewed the 62 previously reported cases of primary extranodal non-Hodgkin's lymphoma of the vagina, focusing on clinicopathological and therapeutic aspects, to better characterize this unusual disease.

Publication types

  • Case Reports
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Anti-Inflammatory Agents / therapeutic use
  • Antineoplastic Agents / therapeutic use
  • Colposcopy
  • Drug Therapy, Combination
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Immunohistochemistry
  • Lymphoma, Non-Hodgkin / diagnosis*
  • Lymphoma, Non-Hodgkin / drug therapy
  • Lymphoma, Non-Hodgkin / pathology
  • Vaginal Neoplasms / diagnosis*
  • Vaginal Neoplasms / drug therapy
  • Vaginal Neoplasms / pathology

Substances

  • Anti-Inflammatory Agents
  • Antineoplastic Agents