Objective: To study the clinical characteristics, diagnosis and treatment of primary pulmonary lymphoma.
Methods: Six cases of primary pulmonary lymphoma diagnosed from 1989 to 2000 were retrospectively analyzed, and the literature was reviewed with regard to its clinical manifestations, X-ray features, bronchoscopic findings, diagnosis and treatment.
Results: Primary pulmonary lymphoma was a rare form of lymphoma. Its diagnosis was difficult because of the lack of specific characteristics. The most common symptoms were cough (4/6) and fever (2/6). X-ray features included solitary or multiple nodules and consolidation. Hilar or mediastinal lymphadenopathy might be absent in the early stage. Bronchoscopic examination revealed bronchial constriction, chronic mucosal inflammation or nearly normal bronchi. Definite diagnosis was made by pathologic and immunohistochemical examinations of the lung tissue obtained through surgical operation, pleuroscopy, or percutaneous needle lung biopsy. Treatment modalities included surgical resection, radiotherapy and chemotherapy. The prognosis was associated with the malignancy of lymphoma.
Conclusions: The clinical manifestations of primary pulmonary lymphoma are nonspecific. Misdiagnosis is common. Appropriate invasive biopsy procedures are necessary for early diagnosis.