Primary retroperitoneal non-Hodgkin lymphoma presenting with torturous generalized pruritus in an elderly

Arch Gynecol Obstet. 2007 Apr;275(4):287-9. doi: 10.1007/s00404-006-0235-y. Epub 2006 Sep 1.

Abstract

Introduction: A case of a rare primary retroperitoneal non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL), which presented with torturous generalized pruritus in a 74-year-old female patient is reported

Methods: Case report.

Results: Explorative laparotomy was performed after imaging revealed a pelvic mass and an ovarian tumour was suspected. After the frozen section revealed a lymphoma, extensive surgery was omitted. The patient was successfully treated with courses of Bleo-CHOP regimen (complete response) and pruritus resolved entirely after completing the second course of chemotherapy.

Conclusion: This report indicates the need of thorough investigation of the peritoneal cavity for the presence of NHL in cases presenting as unexplained pruritus in the elderly. In this setting the presence of a retroperitoneal pelvic mass must raise the suspicion for the possibility of the rare retroperitoneal NHL.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Antineoplastic Combined Chemotherapy Protocols / therapeutic use
  • Bleomycin / therapeutic use
  • Cyclophosphamide / therapeutic use
  • Doxorubicin / therapeutic use
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Lymphoma, Non-Hodgkin / complications
  • Lymphoma, Non-Hodgkin / diagnosis*
  • Lymphoma, Non-Hodgkin / drug therapy
  • Prednisone / therapeutic use
  • Pruritus / complications*
  • Pruritus / drug therapy
  • Retroperitoneal Neoplasms / complications
  • Retroperitoneal Neoplasms / diagnosis*
  • Retroperitoneal Neoplasms / drug therapy
  • Vincristine / therapeutic use

Substances

  • Bleomycin
  • Vincristine
  • Doxorubicin
  • Cyclophosphamide
  • Prednisone

Supplementary concepts

  • CHOP protocol