Introduction
Non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL) constitutes around 80% of all lymphomas.
Over 30 subtypes of NHL have been identified, out of which diffuse large
B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) and follicular lymphoma remain the most commonly
occurring. DLBCL accounts for around 30% to 40% of all non-Hodgkin
lymphomas and is common in elderly patients. Traditionally, the
presentation of DLBCL includes enlarged lymph nodes or a rapidly growing
mass along with fever, night sweats, and weight loss. In addition,
extranodal involvement, most frequently in the stomach, is also common
[1, 2]. However, primary NHLs, such as DLBCL, rarely affect the
small intestine, particularly the duodenum, and may present with
nonspecific clinical manifestations, which makes it difficult to
establish an early diagnosis and initiate timely management.
In this case report, we describe a case of low-grade duodenal DLBCL in
an elderly patient who presented with dysphagia and black stools. The
patient was diagnosed via duodenal biopsy and was started on an R-CHOP
(rituximab, cyclophosphamide, hydroxydaunorubicin, vincristine, and
prednisone) chemotherapy regimen. The patient showed a good response to
the treatment regimen.