Journey from Chronic Hepatitis C to Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma: A Case Report

Non- Hodgkin's lymphomas are diverse group of cancers of lymphocytes which mostly present as enlarged lymph nodes. Hepatitis C is both hepatotropic and lymphotropic virus and there has been a strong link between chronic HCV and non- Hodgkin lymphoma. Most commonly chronic HCV has been linked with lymphoplasmacytic lymphoma and splenic marginal zone lymphoma. This is a case of 68-old year male diagnosed case of HCV presented with pain in abdomen, backache and generalized weakness. On investigations, his complete blood picture, liver function tests, renal function tests, serum electrolytes, erythrocyte sedimentation rate, C-reactive protein and electrocardiography were all within normal limits. Ultrasound abdomen showed large space occupying lesion in liver and para-aortic lymph nodal mass. Ultrasound guided biopsy of liver mass showed aggressive non-Hodgkin's lymphoma. Diagnosis of aggressive non-Hodgkin's B-cell lymphoma was made. High clinical suspicion is required for exact diagnosis of disease on lateral thinking.