Background: Lymphoma and reactive lymphoid infiltrates presenting as solitary lesion pose a diagnostic and prognostic dilemma for the clinician.
Objective: We sought to review prognosis and treatment of suggestive solitary lymphoma lesions.
Methods: A retrospective chart review was conducted in 27 patients who presented with a single solitary lesion suggestive of lymphoma at a cancer center.
Results: Eighteen of 27 patients' (66.7%) lesions were diagnosed as lymphoma by histology and the remainder was classified as reactive lymphoid infiltrates. Only one patient's lymphoma was systemic at presentation and one progressed later. In all, 23 patients (85.2%) subsequently experienced prolonged, complete remissions. The treatments used varied from none or conservative to chemotherapy, with the more aggressive treatments directed especially against lymphomas or recurrent diseases.
Limitations: This study is limited by the number of patients and follow-up duration (average 36.8 months, range 3-133 months).
Conclusion: Patients presenting with a solitary lesion suggestive of lymphoma and negative staging work-up results generally have a good prognosis. Excellent prognosis is usually expected for benign lesions.