Introduction  The gastrointestinal lymphoma can be classified in primary or secondary, and this is important regarding diagnosis and subsequent treatment. Primary gastrointestinal lymphoma of the rectum is rare and therefore lacks data in medical literature. Its incidence has been increasing and that fact may be related to a higher incidence in immunosuppressive therapy and immunosuppressive diseases (such as AIDS). Metodology  19 articles have been reviewed, searched online on the Scielo and PubMed databases. The goal was to increase data available regarding this pathology and improve its therapy. Discussion  Primary GI lymphoma of the rectum presents as hematochezia, rectal pain, change in bowel habits. PET/CT is the first choice exam to pursue investigation; however abdominal CT and MRI reveal sufficient information and are much more available in daily practice. Plasmablastyc lymphoma is an aggressive subtype and is usually associated with AIDS patients. There are no available treatment protocols for this specific type of lymphoma and colonic lymphoma's therapy is usually used for this patient (such as ECHOP and CHOP). Conclusion  As rare as this pathology is, this article aims to improve the available data and provide useful information regarding diagnosis and therapy.