NON-HODGKIN’S LYMPHOMA PRESENTING AS ACUTE INTESTINAL OBSTRUCTION: A CASE REPORT

Abstract

ABSTRACT:

Non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma comprises about 7% of all paediatric cancers. The gastrointestinal tract is the most common site of primary extra-nodal lymphomas. In people under 20 years of age, lymphoma, the most common malignant neoplasm of GI tract, is almost universally non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma (uncommon before age of 5 years). It is 2-3 times more common in male than female. Non-Hodgkin’s lymphomas are classified as low, intermediate, or high grade on the basis of their pathological features. Low- and intermediate-grade tumours are commonly seen in adults, while high-grade non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma are commonly (>90%) found in children. This occurs mainly due to the mutation at the time of cellular maturation and function of the immune system. High-grade non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma comprises three histologic subtypes: small non-cleaved-cell, lymphoblastic, and large-cell lymphoma. Among children with small-noncleaved-cell tumours, both Burkitt’s and non-Burkitt’s lymphomas have been identified, with no clinical relevance so far¹.

Keywords: Non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma; Burkitt’s lymphoma; intussusception