Mantle cell lymphoma diagnosed by conjunctival salmon-pink lesion biopsy

Abstract

Conjunctival lesions are rarely seen in mantle cell lymphoma. Here, we report a patient who developed bilateral conjunctival lesions in the course of chronic lymphocytic leukemia as an initial diagnosis, resulting in the final diagnosis of mantle cell lymphoma by conjunctival biopsy. A 66-year-old man developed conjunctival salmon-pink lesions on both sides in the 1.5-year course of chronic lymphocytic leukemia. He also had irregularly shaped masses with low tissue density in the orbital apex on both sides. Bilateral conjunctival biopsy showed subepithelial infiltration with lymphoid cells, positive for CD20, CD5, and cyclin D1, but negative for CD3, CD10, and CD23. Immunohistochemical restaining of the previous bone marrow biopsy specimen demonstrated lymphoid cells positive for cyclin D1, confirming the diagnosis of mantle cell lymphoma with leukemic presentation. As the case presenting stage IV lymphoma with systemic lymphadenopathy, he underwent 3 courses of combination chemotherapy with fludarabine and cyclophosphamide, and then 6 courses of bendamustine with rituximab, leading to complete remission for the following 3 years. In conclusion, mantle cell lymphoma should be included in the differential diagnosis of conjunctival salmon-pink lesions.