Anaplastic lymphoma kinase positive large B-cell lymphoma mimicking as plasma cell neoplasm: A rare case report

Abstract

Anaplastic lymphoma kinase positive (ALK+ve) large B-cell lymphoma (LBCL) is a rare, aggressive subtype of diffuse LBCL with unique morphological characteristics and unusual immunophenotypic features that have substantial overlap with other hematologic and nonhematologic neoplasms. Here, we present a 48-year-old male who presented with progressive swelling on both sides of the neck and left eye followed by protruding mass in the left nose over a span of 6 months. Based on the biopsy findings of the left nasal mass, a plasma cell neoplasm was initially diagnosed; later on the diagnosis was modified as ALK + ve LBCL based on the aggressive clinical course and biopsy findings of cervical lymph node. The patient was started on chemotherapy and is tolerating well.