Spontaneous Regression of Primary Endobronchial MALT Lymphoma in a Patient with Asbestosis

Abstract

Background. Primary endobronchial malignant lymphoma is a rare entity. Case. A 72-year-old man was referred to our hospital because chest computed tomography performed as part of a regular checkup for asbestosis showed a thickened bronchial wall extending from the left main bronchus to the secondary carina. Although he had a cough for 2 months, he did not visit a clinic. Bronchoscopy showed an irregular thickened bronchial wall extending from the left main bronchus to the secondary carina with mild stenosis of the left superior lobar branch. Mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue (MALT) lymphoma was diagnosed on the basis of biopsy specimens. We adopted a wait-and-see approach because the cough was improving and the lesion was localized to the left bronchus. Bronchoscopy performed 6 months later revealed spontaneous regression. Conclusion. Spontaneous regression of primary endobronchial MALT lymphoma was recognized during a regular checkup for asbestosis.