A journey into insidious world of MALT lymphoma of the ileum: from the beginning to the end.

INTRODUCTION: Lymphoma of the mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue (MALT) has been used to describe a marginal zone B-cell lymphoma derived from gastrointestinal lymphoid tissue. mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue lymphoma (MALToma) of the ileum are extremely rare and only few reports with endoscopic features have been reported. CASE STUDY: We present a 55-year-old male patient with history of abdominal pain and loss of appetite since 2½ years. Abdomino-pelvic ultrasonography was normal, but computed tomography (CT) scan of the abdomen showed, dilated segment of ileum containing both contrast and debris. He underwent segmental resection of ileum associated with stricture site, histopathology of which revealed MALToma of ileum. Patient was subsequently treated with low dose chemotherapy and strictly followed up. DISCUSSION: Primary treatment possibility should be considered as the treatment of H. pylori infection while surgical resection for superficial lesions followed by low dose chemotherapy is recommended. The present case report explore MALToma of the GI tract, its diagnostic criterions, role of radiological and pathological tools, various investigative techniques and role of surgery and chemotherapy in such cases.