Editorial

Primary Esophageal Lymphoma: A Diagnostic Challenge

Authors: Keith J. Kaplan, MD

Abstract

In this issue of the Southern Medical Journal, Dr. C. Namal Weeratunge’s article entitled “Primary Esophageal Lymphoma: A Diagnostic Challenge in Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome”1reports two cases of primary esophageal lymphoma in patients with acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS). The first cases of AIDS-related non-Hodgkin lymphomas (NHL) were described in 1982. 2,3NHL is now recognized as the second most common neoplasm in human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-infected individuals and the most common neoplasm occurring among HIV-infected intravenous drug users and hemophiliacs. 4,5

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References

1. Weeratunge CN. Primary esophageal lymphoma: a diagnostic challenge in acquired immunodeficiency syndrome. South Med J 2004; 97: 383–387.
 
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6. Orvidas LJ, McCaffrey TV, Lewis JE, et al. Lymphoma involving the esophagus. Ann Otol Rhinol Laryngol 1994; 103: 843–848.
 
7. Knowles DM, Chamulak GA, Subar M, et al. Lymphoid neoplasia associated with the acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS): the New York University Medical Center experience with 105 patients (1981–1986). Ann Intern Med 1988; 108: 744–753.
 
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10. Knowles DM, Inghirami G, Ubriaco A, et al. Molecular genetic analysis of three AIDS-associated neoplasms of uncertain lineage demonstrates their B-cell derivation and the possible pathogenetic role of the Epstein-Barr virus. Blood 1989; 73: 792–799.
 
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