Primary extra nodal Non-Hodgkin's lymphoma of urinary bladder presenting as a bladder tumor: A case report

INTRODUCTION: Primary non-Hodgkin's lymphoma (NHL) of urinary bladder is an exceedingly rare entity accounting for 0.2% of the primary neoplastic lesions. This tumor has female predominance; with most of the cases seen in middle-aged females. It primarily affects urinary bladder without involvement of the surrounding tissues and lymph nodes. The common presentations include hematuria, dysuria, urinary frequency, nocturia, and abdominal or back pain. The clinical, radiological and endoscopic signs are not very specific. It is diagnosed by its characteristic morphology and immunohistochemical characteristics. The various therapeutic options available are chemotherapy; radiotherapy and surgery used either alone or in combination. Presentation of Case: We hereby report a case of 40 years old man who presented with hematuria as the presenting symptom. On radiology, diffuse thickening of bladder wall was noted, which was biopsied. On histopathology, it was NHL, Diffuse large B cell type. He was treated with chemotherapy (6 cycles of CHOP) and radiotherapy for primary NHL of the bladder and now he is in complete remission. DISCUSSION: Primary lymphoma of the urinary bladder is exceedingly rare. Non-specific presentation and rarity of this disease pose a diagnostic challenge for both the clinician and the histopathologist. Diagnosis is based upon the characteristic morphology and is supported by immunohistochemical analysis. CONCLUSION: All patients with extra-nodal lymphoma need thorough diagnostic work up like nodal lymphomas to arrive at exact staging of the disease to outline subsequent management.