Abstract
The risk of secondary malignancies by anticancer therapy including chemotherapy and/or radiation therapy against primary malignancies is increasing and it is becoming an important problem. It is well-known that the risk of acute leukemia is relatively high in malignant lymphomas. But reports of acute promyelocytic leukemia as secondary malignancies are rare.
A 38-year-old male was admitted to our hospital suffering from anorexia, weight loss and right chest pain. On admission swelling of the lymph nodes on his right side of the neck and right armpit was found, but no hepatosplenomegaly was seen. CT-scan showed a tumor originating from his right lateral pleura and other laboratory examination also con-firmed this finding. Biopsy of the lymph node on his right side of the neck revealed findings compatible with malignant lymphoma (diffuse, large cell type). After VEPA therapy and irradiation to his right side of the chest, the tumor and the swelling of the lymph nodes disappeared and he was discharged. About one year after the remission leukopenia developed and he was hospitalized again. Bone marrow examination showed increased numbers of promyelocytes with Auer bodies and the diagnosis of acute promyelocytic leukemia was made. After 3 courses of BHAC-AMP therapy a remission was induced and he is now doing well.
