Mode
Text Size
Log in / Sign up

Diffuse large B-cell lymphoma of the uterus presents with varied symptoms and 11q gainReview Identifies Common Symptoms and Treatments for Uterine Lymphoma

AI-generated summary of the cited source, checked by automated accuracy review. How we work

Key Takeaway
Note that uterine DLBCL frequently presents with vaginal bleeding and may involve 11q23.3/11q24.3 gains.

This publication combines a single case report with a review of 34 cases to characterize uterine lymphoma, specifically focusing on diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL). The case study describes a 56-year-old female with uterine DLBCL, appendiceal involvement, and a specific molecular feature: 11q23.3/11q24.3 gain.

The literature review of 34 cases identifies common clinical presentations: 56% presented with abnormal vaginal bleeding, 47% with a pelvic mass, and 41% with abdominal pain. Histologically, DLBCL accounted for 74% of the 34 cases, with a GCB subtype of 15% and non-GCB subtype of 41%. Regarding treatment, R-CHOP was utilized in 50% of recent cases.

Limitations noted by the authors include the inability to assess comparative survival from descriptive data and the fact that 11q gain is a molecular feature of uncertain significance. The authors caution that the combination of 11q alteration with appendiceal involvement does not establish a distinct diagnostic entity. The findings underscore the importance of multidisciplinary care in managing these cases.

How this fits prior evidence

This report addresses a gap in the clinical description of uterine lymphoma. While prior coverage noted that baseline anti-HBc positivity does not impact 3-year PFS or OS in HBsAg-negative DLBCL, this review provides specific clinical and molecular characteristics for uterine DLBCL, including the 11q23.3/11q24.3 gain and common symptoms like abnormal vaginal bleeding (56%).

This report looks at cases of uterine lymphoma, a type of cancer that starts in the uterus. The review included one specific case study and a look at 34 other cases to identify common patterns in symptoms, tissue types, and treatments.

In the 34 cases reviewed, patients frequently experienced abnormal vaginal bleeding, pelvic masses, and abdominal pain. The study also found that diffuse large B-cell lymphoma made up 74% of the cases. For treatment, the R-CHOP chemotherapy regimen was used in half of the recent cases studied.

One specific case involved a 56-year-old woman with a specific genetic marker called 11q gain. While this marker was noted, its exact significance is not yet fully understood. Because this is based on a small number of cases and a literature review, the findings are not enough to change standard medical practice. Patients should continue to work closely with their medical teams to manage their specific treatment plans.

What this means for you:
Common symptoms of uterine lymphoma include vaginal bleeding and pelvic masses, often treated with R-CHOP chemotherapy.

Common questions

What are the most common symptoms of uterine lymphoma?

Based on a review of 34 cases, the most common symptoms included abnormal vaginal bleeding, which occurred in 56% of patients. Other common symptoms included the presence of a pelvic mass in 47% of cases and abdominal pain in 41% of cases.

What types of lymphoma were found in these cases?

The review found that diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) accounted for 74% of the cases studied. Within those cases, the GCB subtype made up 15% and the non-GCB subtype made up 41%.

What treatment was used for these patients?

The review noted that the R-CHOP chemotherapy regimen was used in 50% of the recent cases. Because this data comes from a small sample, you should talk to your doctor about the best treatment for your specific situation.

Study Details

Study typeSystematic review
EvidenceLevel 1
PublishedNov 2026
View Original Abstract ↓
ContextPrimary lymphoma of the uterine corpus is an exceptionally uncommon form of extranodal lymphoma that is often mistaken for uterine sarcoma or carcinoma. We present a case of primary diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) of the uterus, with appendiceal involvement and a gain at 11q23.3/11q24.3 without MYC rearrangement. The characteristic distal 11q loss required for the diagnosis of high-grade B-cell lymphoma with 11q aberration was not demonstrated; the tumor was therefore classified as DLBCL, NOS with an 11q gain. In addition, we review 34 documented cases from 1965 to 2025 that include comprehensive clinicopathological information.FindingsA 56-year-old female patient presented with a rapidly growing abdominal mass and compressive symptoms. Imaging revealed marked uterine enlargement (>15 cm) and a separate appendiceal mass. Histological analysis identified a germinal center B-cell-like DLBCL (CD20+, CD10+, Bcl-6+, MUM-1−, Ki-67 90%), and FISH analysis demonstrated gains at 11q23.3/11q24.3 without MYC rearrangement. After surgery, the patient began R-CHOP chemotherapy. Among the 34 reviewed cases, the median age was 56 years (range 3.5–84); common symptoms included abnormal vaginal bleeding (56%), pelvic mass (47%), and abdominal pain (41%). DLBCL accounted for 74% of cases (GCB subtype 15%, non-GCB 41%). Uncommon subtypes included NK/T-cell lymphoma (6%), peripheral T-cell lymphoma (6%), myeloid sarcoma (3%), indolent T-cell lymphoproliferative disorder (3%), and others. Treatment approaches have shifted from surgery alone to surgery plus R-CHOP, which was used in 50% of recent cases; however, comparative survival could not be assessed from these descriptive data. The combination of 11q alteration with appendiceal involvement appears not to have been previously reported; however, this observation is descriptive and does not by itself establish a distinct diagnostic entity.In summaryDiagnosing primary uterine lymphoma presents considerable challenges. Our case draws attention to a gain at 11q23.3/11q24.3 as a molecular feature of uncertain significance and highlights the value of a multidisciplinary care approach. Systematic chemotherapy, particularly R-CHOP, is the mainstay of current treatment for DLBCL, although comparative efficacy could not be assessed from the reviewed cases.
Free Newsletter

Clinical research that matters. Delivered to your inbox.

Join thousands of clinicians and researchers. No spam, unsubscribe anytime.