An unusual case of pediatric-type follicular lymphoma: A case report

RATIONALE: Pediatric-type follicular lymphoma (PTFL) is a rare neoplasm with features that differ from those of adult-type follicular lymphoma. Compared to patients with adult-type follicular lymphoma, PTFL patients often show an excellent response. Preoperative diagnosis is challenging and, therefore, an accurate diagnosis is based on the findings of postoperative pathological examination and immunohistochemistry. PATIENT CONCERNS: A 13-year-old boy presented with a slow-growing mass on the right side of his neck. DIAGNOSES: The patient was diagnosed with PTFL based on the findings of histopathological examination and immunohistochemistry. INTERVENTION: The mass was completely resected. OUTCOMES: After 12 months of postoperative follow-up, the patient achieved good recovery without recurrence. LESSONS: The optimal treatment for PTFL has not yet been defined. However, patients with PTFL always show satisfactory prognoses, regardless of treatment strategy (targeted radiotherapy, multiagent chemotherapy, or “watch and wait” strategy). Clinically, pathological and immunohistochemical analyses are necessary in the diagnoses of PTFL cases, especially for distinguishing PTFL from reactive follicular hyperplasia, to avoid unnecessary treatment.