| [ Summary ] |
Mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue (MALT) lymphoma of the colon and rectum is extremely rare. Its characteristic features are composed of a diffuse infiltrate of centrocyte-like cells, the formation of lymphoepithelial lesions, follicular colonization, and plasma cell differentiation. Moreover, the diagnosis is confirmed by immunohistochemical studies and chromosomal analysis. We reviewed the clinicopathological features and surgical treatment of the thirty six resected cases of MALT lymphoma of the colon and rectum previously reported in the Japanese literature. Recurrence was recognized only in cases of local excision of MALT lymphoma of the rectum. The prognosis for MALT lymphoma of the colon and rectum is good, but a standard treatment has not been established. In treatment, especially surgical treatment, it is necessary to perform radical resection, with extensive lymph node dissection, on the basis of low-grade or high-grade malignancy, and depth of invasion of the tumor. |