A patient with a diagnosis of nodal marginal zone B-cell lymphoma and a t(2;14)(p24;q32) involving MYCN and IGH

BACKGROUND: Nodal marginal zone B-cell lymphoma is a rare entity in which the cytogenetic findings are not well defined. The t(2;14)(p24;q32) has previously been reported in three patients with blastic mantle cell lymphoma and one patient with follicular lymphoma. This rearrangement has not been reported previously in a patient with a diagnosis of nodal marginal zone B-cell lymphoma. CASE PRESENTATION: We present a male patient who presented with lymphadenopathy. On the basis of his clinicoradiologic presentation, morphological appearances, immunophenotype and molecular findings he was determined to have a diagnosis of nodal marginal zone B-cell lymphoma. Cytogenetic analysis demonstrated a t(2;14)(p24;q32). Further FISH testing showed this rearrangement to involve the MYCN and IGH genes. CONCLUSIONS: We present the first patient with a diagnosis of nodal marginal zone B-cell lymphoma with a t(2;14)(p24;q32). This rearrangement has been described in three other patients who have had a diagnosis of lymphoma. Our findings suggest this rearrangement is not specific to mantle cell lymphoma or follicular lymphoma. The number of cases described are still too low to draw firm conclusions regarding the nature of this rearrangement. In order to refine the clinical and prognostic picture of this finding, publication of further cases is required.