Primary diffuse large B-cell lymphoma of the kidney: A rare case report and review of literature

INTRODUCTION AND IMPORTANCE: Lymphoma can either be Hodgkin or non-Hodgkin (NHL) with diffuse large B cell lymphoma (DLBL) being a type of the latter with an aggressive behavior. Although it is common for NHL to involve the kidney in its advanced stages, disease that primarily originates from the kidney is rare and therefore poses a diagnostic challenge. CASE PRESENTATION: We presented a case of NHL that was initially thought to be Renal Cell Carcinoma (RCC) but later confirmed histologically to be diffuse large B cell Lymphoma. The patient was kept on doxorubicin, cyclophosphamide and dexamethasone. However, on day five of the treatment he succumbed. CLINICAL DISCUSSION: Lymphoma can be broadly grouped into Hodgkin and non-Hodgkin Lymphoma. Primary kidney lymphoma accounts for <1 % with non-specific symptoms hence can be challenging in the diagnosis. Biopsy yields in the diagnosis and management is primarily chemotherapy. CONCLUSION: This case reminds health care professional on the possibility of having primary Lymphoma of the kidney in a patients with renal mass. Treatment of lymphoma is different from RCC, a common renal malignancy in adult. Therefore, tissue biopsy for definitive diagnosis is mandatory before initiation of treatment.