Follicular lymphoma originating from the gallbladder – case report and literature review

Abstract

Introduction Follicular lymphoma belongs to the group of indolent lymphoid neoplasms originating from mutated germinal center B cells, characterized by a nodular or follicular histological pattern of infiltration. Primary involvement of extranodal sites is rare. The aim of this study is to present the clinical, histological, and immunohistochemical features of a rare case of gallbladder follicular lymphoma, along with a literature review, highlighting key diagnostic and therapeutic considerations.

Case outline We present the case of a 60-year-old female patient who underwent laparoscopic cholecystectomy for ultrasound-confirmed gallbladder calculosis. Based on the morphological findings, supplemented by immunohistochemical analysis, the lesion identified in the tissue samples corresponded to follicular non-Hodgkin lymphoma.

Conclusion Gallbladder lymphoma is a rare malignancy often found incidentally. Diagnosis relies on histology and immunohistochemistry, which distinguish it from adenocarcinoma and other lymphomas. Accurate classification is essential for proper management and prognosis.

Keywords: follicular lymphoma; MALT; gallbladder; non-Hodgkin lymphoma; immunohistochemistry