A case of primary non-Hodgkin lymphoma of the lacrimal sac

Malignant tumors of the lacrimal sac are uncommon, and primary non-Hodgkin lymphomas are rare. We report the case of an 80-year-old woman presenting with epiphora and swelling of the left lacrimal area. A dacryocystorhinostomy was programmed, but within few weeks a painful tumor appeared with cervical nodes. Pathological studies of the mass revealed diffuse malignant lymphoma with large B cells. The lymphoma was classified as stage IIE using Ann Arbor staging after clinical, biological and radiological examination. Six CHOP systemic chemotherapy were proposed. After 12 months and only 4 cures because of hematological complications and cardiac toxicity, the patient was disease-free. Primary non-Hodgkin lymphoma of the lacrimal sac is extremely rare. Collaboration between the ophthalmologist, anatomopathologist and oncologist allowed us to determine the type and the extension and to propose an aggressive but successful treatment in this highly malignant and very localized lymphoma.