MALT lymphoma of the rectum, presenting with rectal prolapsus: a case report

Up to now, there have been only a few reported cases of Mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue (MALT) lymphomas arising in the rectum. Its clinical presentation is indistinguishable from that of rectal carcinoma but the treatment is apparently different. Symptoms of primary lymphomas involving the rectum include; anorexia, weight loss, change in bowel habits, obstruction, and bleeding. These symptoms are not disease specific and can be seen in many other gastrointestinal disorders. Patients with polypoid masses may present with obstruction symptoms. In this rare case, a female patient admitted to the emergency service with prolapsus of a rectal mass. The optimal treatment of rectal MALT lymphoma is not well defined yet, given the rarity of the disease. Surgical resection of the localized lesion and following adjuvant chemotherapy has proved to be an effective treatment option. However, a close and long-lasting follow-up is important.