Published online Sep 16, 2022. doi: 10.12998/wjcc.v10.i26.9470
Peer-review started: April 30, 2022
First decision: May 30, 2022
Revised: June 12, 2022
Accepted: August 1, 2022
Article in press: August 1, 2022
Published online: September 16, 2022
Processing time: 124 Days and 12.4 Hours
Burkitt-like lymphoma with 11q aberration (BLL-11q) is a rare provisional lymphoma, and the majority of cases are usually diagnosed by excisional lymph node biopsy. Here we report a case of BLL-11q diagnosed by needle biopsy of the liver in order to improve further understanding of the disease, reduce misdiagnosis, and identify treatment regimens.
The patient was a 67-year-old male. He complained of increased frequency of stools for more than one year, periumbilical pain and discomfort exceeding 3 mo. A computed tomography scan suggested an appendiceal malignant tumor with multiple metastases of the peritoneum, omentum, and liver. Needle biopsy of liver nodules showed that the tumor cells were of median size, the shape was consistent, a small number of tumor cells were large, the “starry sky” pattern was evident, and some tissue cells showed multiple apoptotic debris with coarse particles. Immunohistochemistry was positive for CD20, CD10, BCL6, and MYC. The Ki-67 proliferation index was more than 95%. Molecular biological detection indicated a lack of MYC, BCL2 and BCL6 gene rearrangement with 11q aberration. Therefore, the diagnosis was BLL-11q of the liver. After eight courses of chemotherapy, the abdominal and pelvic peritoneal masses and liver nodules had almost disappeared. The patient recovered well after a follow-up period of more than 13 mo.
BLL-11q is rare, but patients treated with standard chemotherapy for Burkitt lymphoma can have a good prognosis. Reducing the dose of chemotherapy or developing specific therapies to prevent overtreatment may be considered, but more case studies are needed.
Core Tip: Burkitt-like lymphoma with 11q aberration (BLL-11q) is an uncommon lymphoma and is diagnosed by lymph node biopsy. We report a patient with BLL-11q, who presented with predominant digestive tract symptoms. The clinical consideration was colorectal cancer with multiple metastases. The diagnosis was confirmed by needle biopsy of liver nodules, and phagocytosis with a large number of coarse particles was found on pathological morphology, which suggested the diagnosis of BLL-11q. The patient was cured with chemotherapy and recovered well.