Malignant lymphoma in unusual areas of the head and neck: parapharyngeal space and temporal fossa

Case report: extranodal non-Hodgkin's lymphoma of the parapharyngeal space

We report an unusual case of primary extranodal non-Hodgkin's lymphoma of the parapharyngeal space. Clinical presentation looked like right peritonsillar abscess and hypoglossal palsy. After histologic study of his biopsy, this 19-year-old man was given a diagnosis of diffuse large-cell non-Hodgkin's lymphoma. Immunohistochemical study showed cell-type B and he was determined to have Stage IIE. Treatment combined chemotherapy and radiotherapy. Extranodal lymphoma of the head and neck presents a diagnostic problem. We review various approaches to extranodal non-Hodgkin's lymphomas of the head and neck. This condition especially requires communication between the surgeon and the pathologist, essential in preventing an incorrect or delayed diagnosis.