Primary Hepatic Lymphoma

Primary hepatic lymphoma (PHL) is confined to the liver with no evidence of lymphomatous involvement in other lymphoid structures. It is a very rare malignancy representing less than 1 % of all extra nodal lymphomas. The exact cause of PHL is unknown, but it seems that there is a strong association between hepatitis C virus (HCV) and PHL. The majority of PHL patients are middle-aged men who usually present nonspecific symptoms. Diagnosis of PHL requires a liver biopsy compatible with lymphoma and the absence of lympho-proliferative disease outside the liver. The rarity of the disease leads to problems of diagnosis and management. The optimal treatment is still unclear and the results are uncertain. We report a case of PHL developed in segment I of the liver, and we present a review of the literature including clinical, radiological, histological, and therapeutic features of this disease. This case report is approved by the patient herself. Informed consent has been obtained from the patient for publication of this case.