Rationale: Gastric mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue (MALT) lymphoma is the most common and best-studied extranodal marginal zone lymphoma of the MALT. It is characterized by an indolent clinical course and excellent survival compared with other malignant tumor. Complications such as obstruction, perforation or bleeding are rarely observed. The treatment strategy is still controversial.
Patient concerns: A 59-year-old man, who had been diagnosed with MALT lymphoma by gastroscopy and biopsy one month before, came to the hospital for a sudden onset of abdominal pain after breakfast.
Diagnoses: MALT lymphoma; gastric perforation.
Interventions: Emergency surgery.
Outcomes: Gastric perforation repair and jejunostomy was performed. The patient recovered well and is preparing for combined chemotherapy.
Lessons: This case report illustrates the challenges in diagnosis and treatment of MALT lymphoma. We discussed the particularity of its clinical characteristics, treatment strategies and prognosis combined with literature review, and we think that early diagnosis and timely appropriate chemotherapy is of great importance.