DIAGNOSIS OF MALT LYMPHOMA BY CONJUNCTIVAL BIOPSY - A CASE-REPORT

Background: Most extranodular lymphatic tissue is found in the intesti nal mucosa; Together with similarly structured lymphatic tissue at oth er locations it has been named mucosa-associated lymphatic tissue (MAL T). Malignant transformation of such tissue to lymphoma is well known, Although MALT lymphoma has been described in tissue physiologically v oid of MALT, lymphoma manifestation in the conjunctiva is rare. Method s: We report a case of a 47-year-old woman who was referred to our cli nic for symptomatic treatment and evaluation of severe symptoms of dry eyes. She was thought to suffer from Sjojgren's syndrome because of x erophthalmia and xerostomia, as well as massive bilateral swelling of tile parotid gland. Ophthalmological examination revealed marked hyper plasia of the conjunctiva, of which a biopsy was taken. Results: Histo logical and immnnohistochemical examination of the conjunctival biopsy , together with analysis of gene rearrangement by Southern blot, led t o the diagnosis of low-grade B-cell lymphoma of the MALT. Conclusion: The differential diagnosis of keratoconjunctivitis sicca presenting wi th conjunctival swelling of unknown origin should include lymphoma, es pecially since Sjogren's syndrome may be associated with malignant dis orders of the lymphatic system. A biopsy of suspicious conjunctival ch anges can clarify a multisystem disease by providing a tissue diagnosi s.