Spontaneous Regression of a Small Noncleaved Cell Malignant Lymphoma (Non-Burkitts Lymphoblastic Lymphoma) - Morphologic, Immunohistological, and Immunoglobulin Gene Analysis

Abstract

The case of a 29-year-old woman suffering from a cervical axillo-mediastinal lymphangioma is described. Comparison of chest X-ray with pictures taken in early childhood revealed spontaneous regression of the cystic tumor, especially the cervical and mediastinal part. Computer tomography of the mediastinum indicates the presence of hemangiomatous tissue in the congenital malformation.

Case Details

Personal Characteristics

12-year-old boy, past medical history of sinusitis and adenotomy

Clinical Characteristics

Mass in the left submandibular region, left-sided oropharyngeal tumor behind an enlarged necrotizing tonsil, cervical lymph node with firm consistency and a diameter of 5 centimeters in the left neck region, erythrocyte sedimentation rate was 4 millimeters/hour, hemoglobin was 135 gm/l; leukocyte count 6.6 x 109/l, with 7% eosinophils, 66% neutrophils, 20% lymphocytes and 7% monocytes; platelet count 212 x 109/l

Remission Characteristics

Complete spontaneous remission after surgical excisional biopsy, size of the tumor diminished rapidly

Treatment & Mechanisms

Proposed Remission Mechanisms

Not discussed

Clinical Treatment

Surgical excisional biopsy, cervical lymph node excision

Additional Notes

Tests for infectious diseases including EpsteinBarr virus, toxoplasmosis, varicella zoster, and cytomegalovirus were negative. A computerized axial tomographic scan of the base of the skull confirmed the presence of a large left-sided oropharyngeal soft tissue mass without bony involvement.