Multiple lymphomatous polyposis of the colon originating from T-cells: a case report

Multiple lymphomatous polyposis is an unusual form of non-Hodgkin's lymphoma characterised by myriad polyps throughout the alimentary tract. Most multiple lymphomatous polyposis cases are derived from B-cell, and there has been little information on multiple lymphomatous polyposis of T-cell origin. A 67-year-old Japanese man presented with lower abdominal pain and diarrhoea of 4-week duration. Colonoscopy revealed numerous small umbilicated polyps and several raised erosions in the colorectum. Biopsy specimens showed diffuse proliferation of lymphoma cells negative for B-cell markers but positive for T-cell markers. Polymerase chain reaction using extracted chromosomal deoxyribonucleic acid from paraffin-ern bedded samples identified T-cell receptor gamma and delta gene recombination. The patient was treated with combined chemotherapy, leading to complete resolution of the lesions. (C) 2004 Editrice Gastroenterologica Italiana S.r.l. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.