Primary pelvic non-Hodgkin's lymphoma.

OBJECTIVE: To describe five cases of primary pelvic non-Hodgkin's lymphoma, a rare gynecologic malignancy.

METHODS: The charts of five women with primary pelvic non-Hodgkin's lymphoma were reviewed. Histologic classification was based on the Working Formulation, and staging was based on the Ann Arbor system. Disease status was monitored with physical examination and imaging studies.

RESULTS: During a 10-month period, five women were diagnosed with primary pelvic non-Hodgkin's lymphoma, including one parasacral, one uterine, one vaginal, and two ovarian tumors. Presentations included abdominal and pelvic pain, abdominal and pelvic mass, and abnormal vaginal bleeding. Treatment included combination chemotherapy, with or without radiation. Four patients were alive and disease free 20--33 months after therapy.

CONCLUSION: Primary pelvic non-Hodgkin's lymphoma may present like other more common gynecologic cancers. It should be considered in the differential diagnosis of gynecologic malignancy.