Mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue lymphoma of the trachea treated with radiotherapy: A case report

BACKGROUND: Mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue (MALT) lymphoma originates in the marginal zone of lymphoid tissue. lung is one of the most frequent non-gastrointestinal organs involved, here known as bronchus-associated lymphoid tissue (BALT) lymphoma. BALT lymphoma of unknown etiology, and most patients are asymptomatic. The treatment of BALT lymphoma is controversial. CASE SUMMARY: A 55-year-old man admitted to hospital had a three-month history of progressively coughing up yellow sputum, chest stuffiness, and shortness of breath. Fiberoptic bronchoscopy revealed mucosal visible beaded bumps 4 cm from the tracheal carina at 9 o 'clock and 3 o 'clock, the right main bronchus, and the right upper lobe bronchus. Biopsy specimens showed MALT lymphoma. Computed tomography virtual bronchoscopy (CTVB) showed uneven main bronchial wall thickening and multiple nodular protrusion. BALT lymphoma stage IE was diagnosed after a staging examination. We treated the patient with radiotherapy (RT) alone. A total dose of 30.6 Gy/17 f/25 d was given. The patient had no obvious adverse reactions during RT. The CTVB was repeated after RT and showed that the right side of the trachea was slightly thickened. CTVB was repeated 1.5 mo after RT and again showed that the right side of the trachea was slightly thickened. Annual CTVB showed no signs of recurrence. The patient now has no symptoms. CONCLUSION: BALT lymphoma is an uncommon disease and shows good prognosis. The treatment of BALT lymphoma is controversial. In recent years, less invasive diagnostic and therapeutic approaches have been emerging. RT was effective and safe in our case. The use of CTVB could provide a noninvasive, repeatable, and accurate method in diagnosis and follow-up.