Primary Bone ALK Positive Anaplastic Large- cell Lymphoma: A Case Report

Abstract

Background:Primary bone lymphoma (PBL) is an uncommon extranodal disease that represents approximately 1-3% of lymphomas. ALK positive anaplastic large-cell lymphoma (ALCL) is an extremely rare type of PBL. The aim of this report is describe the symptoms, diagnosis and treatment of primary bone ALK-positive ALCL.Case presentation:A 66-year-old man presented with neck and shoulder pain and intermittent fever that lasted for one month to our hospital.After extensive evaluation, positron emission tomography (PET)-CT examination showed multiple osteolytic bone lesions without other sites lesions. CT-guided biopsy of the T10 vertebral body was performed, and the pathology results showed neoplastic cells were positive for ALK-1, CD30 and CD3. A diagnosis of primary bone ALK positive ALCL was ultimately made. The patient received four cycles of CHOP chemotherapy , and we planned to repeat the biopsy and radiological examination after completion of the fifth cycle of therapy.Conclusions:Primary bone ALK positive anaplastic large cell lymphoma is a rare disease and physicians should keep in mind that ALCL can present with isolated osseous involvement without nodal involvement, and lymphoma should be considered in the differential diagnosis of primary bone lesions.