Abstract
Background : Immunophenotyping by flow cytometry (FCM) and chromosomal analysis are recommended for the diagnosis and treatment of malignant lymphoma. However, lung tissue specimens collected under bronchoscopic guidance are submitted after formalin fixation. Therefore, it is difficult to obtain fresh specimens. In the present study, we report a case of pulmonary MALT lymphoma, suspected as malignant lymphoma by rapid cytologic examination of a transbronchial lung biopsy specimen. In this case, a fresh specimen could be additionally obtained for FCM.
Case : The patient was a 62-year-old male. He consulted us because of an abnormal chest opacity detected at a nearby hospital. Lung cancer was suspected based on the finding of a well-circumscribed soft tissue mass lesion in the superior aspect of the right hilum and multiple nodules in both peripheral lung fields detected by chest CT. Numerous atypical cells with the size of medium-sized lymphocytes were visualized on rapid cytologic examination of a bronchoscopic lung biopsy specimen. As malignant lymphoma was suspected, additional tissue was collected for FCM.
Conclusions : Combining rapid cytology with tissue sampling under bronchoscopic guidance allows additional tissue collection for FCM in cases where malignant lymphoma is suspected, facilitating rapid and efficient diagnosis.
