Exploring The Prognostic Significance of Lymphoma in Colon and Rectum, National Cancer Institute Experience, Egypt

Abstract

Background: Colorectal cancer is one of the commonest types of malignancies. Lymphoma is a rare occurrence in this population, with adenocarcinoma constituting the majority of cases. Few publications have analysed the clinicopathological behaviour of colorectal lymphoma (CL). Both the effect of systemic therapy in these cases and the significance of surgical resection of these tumours remain unclear. Objective: The aim of the current study is to address CL from the perspectives of demographic, clinical characteristics, diagnosis and treatment, as well as studying prognosis. Patients and methods: The current retrospective cohort study included all cases diagnosed with CL and managed at the National Cancer Institute, Cairo University, during the period from 2010 to 2021. The data included demographic, clinical presentation, investigation used and their results, treatment modalities used, and prognosis. Results: Throughout the duration of the study, 49 patients were diagnosed with CL and treated in the National Cancer Institute. Patients' ages ranged between 2 and 70 years, with a median of 5 years. Burkitt lymphoma was the most common type (71%). Most of the cases (63.3%) were aroused in ascending colon. Early stages (Stages I and II) accounted for 81.6% of the cases. Before chemotherapy, 32 cases (65.3%) underwent surgical resection. The absence of B symptoms, Hg ≥10 gm/dl, and surgically treated cases were associated with a favourable prognosis. Conclusion:The incidence of lymphoma affecting the colon and rectum is uncommon. Patients' ages upon presentation vary, and it typically originates in the right colon. In combination with systemic therapy, surgical excision of the tumour appears to improve survival in the early stages.