Primary esophageal CD30-positive ALK-positive anaplastic large cell lymphoma: a case report and literature review.

PURPOSE: To introduce a case of primary esophageal CD30-positive ALK-positive anaplastic large cell lymphoma (ALCL) and discuss its diagnosis and treatment.

METHODS

Esophagectomy was done for a 37-year-old male with a submucosal lesion after a frozen section failed to give a definite diagnosis. Samples were sent for hematoxylin-eosin staining and immunohistochemical analysis. Six cycles of CHOP (cyclophosphamide, doxorubicin, vincristine, and prednisone) chemotherapy were given and the patient was followed up.

RESULTS

The operation was uneventful. Postoperative pathologic and immunohistochemical examination yielded a diagnosis of primary CD30-positive and ALK-positive ALCL of the esophagus. The patient was in complete remission at the 14-month follow-up.

CONCLUSIONS

ALCL of the esophagus should be considered in the differential diagnosis of esophageal submucosal lesions. Biopsy through either esophagoscopy or surgical exploration, chemotherapy, and radiotherapy can be chosen for long-term survival.