Pulmonary extra‐nodal mucosa‐associated lymphoid tissue (MALT) lymphoma: A rare cause of persistent lung consolidation

Pulmonary extra‐nodal marginal zone B‐cell lymphoma, also known as extra‐nodal mucosa‐associated lymphoid tissue (MALT) lymphoma, is rare among all non‐Hodgkin lymphomas and generally among all pulmonary malignancies. We present a 46‐year‐old lady with persistent right lower lung consolidation despite earlier treatment efforts with intravenous antibiotics for community acquired pneumonia. Apart from initial presentation with a short 3‐day history of fever, cough and shortness of breath, she had remained largely asymptomatic throughout the follow‐up period. Flexible bronchoscopy done ruled out infectious aetiologies but transbronchial lung biopsies showed atypical lymphocytes. A computed tomography guided core biopsy of her right lung consolidation was subsequently performed, confirming a diagnosis of pulmonary MALT lymphoma. She was promptly referred to the haematology team for further management and commencement of chemotherapy. Pulmonary MALT lymphoma, albeit uncommon and often follows a relatively indolent cause, should be considered as a differential diagnosis among patients with persistent lung consolidation. Primary pulmonary lymphoma is a rare clinical entity, accounting for less than 1% of all lymphomas. Pulmonary MALT lymphoma typically follows an indolent course, and nearly half of patients are asymptomatic at diagnosis. A high index of suspicion is therefore required to confirm the diagnosis. Herein, a case of pulmonary MALT lymphoma in a middle‐aged lady with persistent right lung consolidation is described.