Primary non-hodgkin's lymphoma of the bladder: A case report

Primary non-Hodgkin's lymphoma (NHL) of the bladder is a rare entity, accounting for between 0.15 and 0.2 of all cases of extranodal lymphoma. Since the first description by Eve (1885) only 68 cases have been reported in the literature. This condition occurs frequently in women from the 4th to 8th decades often with history of chronic cystitis. The treatment protocols for this tumor are varied and contentious. We present a documented case of primary NBL of the bladder occurring in a 70-year-old woman. The clinicopathological, immunophenotypic features and therapeutic problems are discussed. After combined chemotheraphy (Cyclophosphamide, Vincristine, Idarubicin, Predniloson) and radiotheraphy (40 Gy for 20 days) there was no improvement of disease, we therefore performed a radical cystectomy. Since NHL is a systemic disease surgical intervention should only be proposed to treat uncontrollable irritative symptoms of the bladder.