Recurrent mantle cell lymphoma in the uterine cervix: a case report

BACKGROUND: Mantle cell lymphoma is one of several subtypes of non-Hodgkin lymphoma. Cervical relapse of non-Hodgkin lymphoma is a very rare condition that has a variable and nonspecific presentation and may resemble other neoplastic or inflammatory conditions. CASE PRESENTATION: Our patient was a 58-year-old Caucasian woman who experienced relapse of mantle cell lymphoma with cervical localization. She complained of postmenopausal vaginal bleeding, bladder pressure, and rapid growth of a cervical lesion. An irregular tumor mass of the cervix was visualized during gynecological examination, with findings highly suggestive of locally advanced cervical cancer. Surprisingly, the biopsies showed an extra nodal relapse of mantle cell lymphoma in the cervix. The rarity of this presentation and the scarcity of clinical studies make this type of recurrence very aggressive and difficult to treat. CONCLUSIONS: Obtaining a definitive histological diagnosis by biopsy or surgical resection and starting appropriate therapy are essential for recovery and treatment of these patients, even if the prognosis is poor.