Synchronous colonic lymphoma and adenocarcinoma in a patient with Crohn's disease, treated with thiopurine therapy and a TNFα inhibitor: A challenge to Occam's razor

Abstract

A 52-year-old man with Crohn's disease, treated with thiopurine therapy and a tumour necrosis factor (TNF) α inhibitor, attended for surveillance colonoscopy, which revealed a transverse colon mass. Biopsies of this lesion showed a diffuse large B-cell lymphoma. CT scan demonstrated this lesion, an additional caecal mass and multiple metastases. A supraclavicular lymph node was removed and demonstrated metastatic adenocarcinoma, consistent with a synchronous caecal primary. At multidisciplinary oncological, haematological, histopathological, gastroenterological, radiological and palliative care assessment, the metastatic adenocarcinoma was deemed to carry a grave prognosis. Following sensitive discussion, the patient opted for palliative care and died several weeks later. Occam's razor, the principle that 'complexity should not be assumed unnecessarily', is a medical school doctrine. Occasionally, however, dual diagnoses do arise. Recognition, as in this case, may prove critical in informed decision-making, both by doctors and, most importantly, by patients, about prognosis and optimal patient care, especially end-of-life care.