Radiological imaging of primary bone lymphoma

Abstract

Background. Primary bone lymphoma is an uncommon malignant tumor that’s account for less than 5–7% of primary bone tumors and 5% of all extranodal non-Hodgkin’s lymphomas. Primary bone lymphoma occurs in patients from early childhood to advance old aged. The femur is the most common location. Other sites includes tibia, spine, clavicle. In radiological imaging primary bone lymphoma can be very variable — from near-normal imaging of the bone to a focal lytic lesion with geographic margins and soft tissues involvement.

Material and method. The aim of our description is to present and describe the varied appearance of primary bone lymphoma in plain radiographics, computer tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). There are 11 cases (4 F, 7 M) treated in Oncology Center from 1996 to 2011. All the cases were pathologically confirmed. On plain films occurs lytic lesions and sclerotic changes — this symptoms occurs only in primary lymphoma of bone. Most patients cannot be diagnosed with plain radiographics and CT or MRI investigations are necessary. We would like to present the brand of imaging findings in this uncommon tumor.

Results. Primary bone lymphoma in radiological imaging is likely to be nonspecific and can be very changeable in different patients. The main symptoms are similar to small cell tumor (infiltrating growth, lytic lesion).

Conclusions. Primary bone lymphoma in radiographic imaging is very changeable with a spectrum of findings. Almost in every case two or more different radiological methods should be used.