Findings of Epstein-Barr Virus Large B-Cell Lymphoma in a Patient With a History of Rectal Adenocarcinoma: A Case Report

Cureus. 2023 Jun 20;15(6):e40680. doi: 10.7759/cureus.40680. eCollection 2023 Jun.

Abstract

Colorectal adenocarcinoma is the neoplastic proliferation of glandular tissue in the distal gastrointestinal system and can be managed using surgical resection, novel chemotherapeutic regimens, and radiation therapy. Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) is a common double-stranded DNA virus that has the potential to transform B-cells into lymphoproliferative disorders given the presence of particular conditions such as immunocompromised and chronic inflammatory states. Colorectal cancer is one of the most common malignancies worldwide; however, the additional finding of EBV-positive lymphoma in a patient with a history of colorectal malignancy is uncommon, and this phenomenon has not been thoroughly explored. This report investigates the association between rectal adenocarcinoma and EBV-positive large B-cell lymphoma in an 87-year-old Caucasian male residing in the United States and explores possible causes for this occurrence.

Keywords: abdominoperineal resection; colostomy creation; ebv- positive diffuse large b-cell lymphoma; post chemotherapy complication; rectal adenocarcinoma.

Publication types

  • Case Reports