A case of primary isolated non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma of the esophagus in an immunocompetent patient

Primary non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma of the esophagus is a rare disease.A case of primary isolated nonHodgkin’s lymphoma of the esophagus in a 77-yearold man without acquired immunodeficiency syndrome is presented.We describe the clinical features and the imaging findings(barium swallow,endoscopic ultrasonography and CT)of a biopsy proven B-cell lymphoma with diffuse transmural involvement of the esophagus wall,which was discovered incidentally.We also briefly review the literature.

Oxidative imbalance increases the risk for colonic polyp and colorectal cancer development

BACKGROUND The role of oxidative stress in the pathogenesis of colorectal carcinoma(CRC)has garnered considerable interest recently.Specific oxidative factors have been implicated in the pathogenesis of adenomatous polyps and ultimately adenocarcinoma.AIM To evaluate the effect of oxidative imbalance as quantified by specific serological markers in the development of sporadic colon adenocarcinoma.METHODS A total of 170 patients that underwent endoscopy of the lower gastrointestinal tract in a tertiary center within 3 years were included in the study.They were allocated in three groups;those with sporadic colon adenocarcinoma(n=56,32.9%),those with colonic polyps(n=33,19.4%)and healthy controls(n=81,47.7%).All patients were evaluated for oxidant activity and antioxidant capacity with serum measurements of specific markers such as vitamins A,25(OH)D3,E,C,B12,folic acid,glutathione,selenium(Se),zinc(Zn),free iron(Fe^(2+)),and malondialdehyde and results were compared between groups.RESULTS Serum levels of vitamins C,E,D,Se,Zn,vitamin B12 and total antioxidant capacity were significantly lower in the combined neoplasia/polyp group than in the control group(P=0.002,P=0.009,P<0.001,P<0.001,P<0.001,P=0.020 and P<0.001,correspondingly).Increased levels of vitamin E(P=0.004),vitamin D(P<0.001),Se(P<0.001)and Zn(P<0.001)seem to bestow a protective effect on the development of CRC.For vitamin D(P<0.001)and Zn(P=0.036),this effect seems to extend to the development of colon polyps as well.On the other hand,elevated serum levels of malondialdehyde are associated with a higher risk of CRC(OR=2.09 compared to controls,P=0.004).Regarding colonic polyp development,increased concentrations of vitaminΑand Fe^(2+) are associated with a higher risk,whereas lower levels of malondialdehyde with a lower risk.CONCLUSION Increased oxidative stress may play an important role in the pathogenesis and progression of CRC.Antioxidants’presence may exert a protective effect in the very early stages of colon carcinogenesis.