Malignant lymphoma associated with Behcet's disease: A report of 2 cases

Abstract

Herein we report 2 cases of malignant lymphoma associated with Behcet's disease. Case 1, a 53-year-old man, was diagnosed as Belicet's disease at the age of 26 years, and was treated with cyclophosphamide and prednisolone. At 45 years of age, bilateral enlarged lymph nodes were observed in the patient's neck. Evaluation of a lymph node biopsy specimen showed Hodgkin's disease and chemotherapy was administered. Due to disease recurrence 7 years later, chemotherapy and radiotherapy were administered. Case 2, a 67-year-old male, was diagnosed as Behcet's disease at age 44 years and began colchicine treatment. At 60 years of age a mass in his left tonsillar fossa was noted. Evaluation of a left tonsil biopsy specimen showed malignant lymphoma. Radiotherapy and chemotherapy were subsequently administered. At the time this report was written both patients were disease-free. Malignant lymphoma associated with Behcet's disease is rare only 17 cases have been published. In addition to the presented cases, the literature regarding malignant lymphoma associated with Belicet's disease is reviewed. (Turk J Hematol 2011; 28: 327-34)