Case 85
Gastric lymphoma
Findings
There is a large mass indenting the lesser curve of the stomach, with a rolled edge and a large central ulcer crater. The ulcer crater is within the projected line of the lesser curve. The normal gastric mucosal folds are absent over the mass itself. These features are those of a malignant gastric ulcer.

Diagnosis
Primary gastric lymphoma (Burkitt type high grade lymphoma).
Discussion
In an elderly patient this would be a reasonable appearance for a gastric carcinoma, a relatively common malignancy. However this patient was only 22, making gastric carcinoma much less likely. In this group alternatives need to be considered, and lymphoma is one of the commoner malignancies at this age.
Lymphoma may involve the GI tract late on in the course of the disease, but, as here, it may also arise primarily within bowel. Further investigation (including CT) revealed no evidence of spread elsewhere. Such cases may have a relatively good prognosis.
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