Primary lymphomas of the prostate: two case reports and a review of the literature

INTRODUCTION: Non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL) is a common disease, but primary lymphoma of the prostate is rare. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Here we present two cases of primary NHL of the prostate and a review of the relevant literature. RESULTS: Both of them had no abnormal lymph node or hepatolienal enlargement. The first case underwent prostatic biopsy which indicated that it was NHL. The patient underwent combination chemotherapy three times, then a radical cystoprostatectomy. In the second case, the prostatic biopsy was not helpful for diagnosis. Therefore a radical prostatectomy was performed before the proper chemotherapy been given. He died half a year later because of a cerebrovascular accident. CONCLUSIONS: We think it is difficult to get an accurate early diagnosis when the lymphoma occurs only in the prostate. Even the prostatic biopsy could not provide clear evidence. Early and appropriate treatment can extend the survival time and improve the quality of life.