Malignant non-Hodgkin's lymphoma developing late after pneumonectomy

Abstract

A 64-year-old man underwent a left pneumonectomy for a benign bronchial stenosis in 1968. In 1997, a left parietal thoracic tumour: T-type malignant non-Hodgkin's lymphoma (MNHL) was detected. It was treated by chemotherapy and radiation therapy. After 6 years follow-up, the patient is alive and in remission. We have found only one case of such a lymphoma in the literature. It could be classified as pyothorax-associated lymphoma from which there are several published cases especially in Japanese literature.

Pyothorax-Associated Lymphoma: Imaging Findings

“…Although there have been many reports from Asia [8,9], especially Japan [2,4], there have been only a few reports from Western countries [13][14][15]. Pyothorax-associated lymphoma therefore has not been fully recognized on a global scale.…”

“…Second, Epstein-Barr virus infection appears to have a higher incidence in Asia than in other areas [11,12]. A few case reports [13][14][15] of pyothorax-associated lymphoma in Western countries have appeared. Pyothorax-associated lymphoma has been recognized worldwide as a specific entity owing to its listing in the 2004 World Health Organization classification of tumors [16].…”