Lymphomas of the oral cavity: histology, immunologic type, and incidence of Epstein-Barr virus infection

Primary oral mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue (MALT) lymphoma in patient with monoclonale gammopathy: a rare case report

Background

Monoclonal gammopathy is a biological reality encountered in approximately 1% of the general population. In the absence of clinical and biological signs, it is considered of undetermined significance; however, it can be a biological signature of a monoclonal lymphocytic or plasma-cell proliferation. Their localisation to the oral mucosa remains rare and difficult to diagnose, particularly in indolent forms that escape imaging techniques.

Case presentation

Here, we report the case of a 73-year-old woman with a history of IgM kappa gammopathy followed for 13 years. The patient did not have a chronic infection or an autoimmune disease, and all the biological investigations and radiological explorations were unremarkable during this period. The discovery of a submucosal nodule in the cheek led to the diagnosis of MALT lymphoma and regression of half of the IgM kappa level after resection. The review of the literature shows the dominance of clinical signs (i.e., a mass or swelling) in the diagnosis of primary MALT lymphomas of the oral cavity after surgical resection.

Conclusions

Our case illustrates the role of examination of the oral cavity in the context of a monoclonal gammopathy. The absence of clinical and radiological evidence in favor of lymphoplasmacytic proliferation, does not exclude a primary indolent MALT lymphoma of the oral mucosa.

CD30 Expression in Oral and Oropharyngeal Diffuse Large B Cell Lymphoma, not Otherwise Specified

Diffuse large B cell lymphoma, not otherwise specified (DLBCL, NOS) is the most frequent non-Hodgkin lymphoma subtype. This aggressive neoplasm may variably express the CD30 protein, which may be used as a therapeutic target for this tumor. However, CD30 expression in DLBCL NOS arising from the oral cavity and the oropharynx has not been investigated. Therefore, this study aims to determine the frequency of CD30 expression and its prognostic significance for patients affected by oral/oropharyngeal DLBCL NOS. Fifty cases were retrieved from pathology files and submitted to immunohistochemistry against CD30. Reactivity was accessed by two oral pathologists using two cut-off values (> 0% and > 20% of tumor cells) to determine positivity in each case. Clinical data were obtained from the patients' medical files to investigate the prognostic potential of the protein. Seven high-grade B cell lymphomas and two EBV-positive DLBCL NOS were identified. We found one CD30-positive case in each of these two groups of lymphomas. Among the remaining 41 DLBCL NOS, other four cases (three in the oral cavity and one in the oropharynx) were positive for CD30, but only two expressed the protein in > 20% of tumor cells, both in the oral cavity. Survival analysis demonstrated that CD30-positive cases had a higher five-year overall survival rate (75%) than CD30-negative cases (32.3%), although a statistically significant result was not achieved (p = 0.19). Only a minor subset of oral and oropharyngeal DLBCL NOS express CD30 and these patients seems to have a higher survival rate.

Ultrasound features of primary non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma of the palatine tonsil: A case report

BACKGROUND

Lymphomas are the second most common malignancy of the head and neck. In this region, the vast majority of extranodal lymphomas are located in the palatine tonsil, accounting for about 51%. Tonsillar lymphomas are aggressive tumors with intermediate- or high-grade histology. We here report a case of primary non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma of the palatine tonsil and analyze its ultrasound features.

CASE SUMMARY

A 40-year-old man presented with right palatine tonsil swelling for 2 mo after a cold, accompanied by dysphagia, snoring, and suffocation. He had no sore throat, fever, or history of upper respiratory tract infection or tuberculosis. The patient was generally in good health and denied other diseases. He was diagnosed with acute tonsillitis initially and treated with antibiotics for 7 d. However, there was no improvement with the treatment. Tonsil biopsy and ultrasound-guided biopsy of the biggest lymph node of the right neck showed the typical pathology of non-Hodgkin lymphoma.

CONCLUSION

Primary lymphoma of the tonsils is rare, and its diagnosis is challenging. Ultrasound is a useful modality in diagnosing oropharyngeal diseases, and can clearly show the features of this tumor, but the final diagnosis should be established by histology.

Mantle cell lymphoma, malt lymphoma, small lymphocytic lymphoma, and follicular lymphoma of the oral cavity: An update

BACKGROUND

Although uncommon, mature small B-cell lymphomas may arise in the oral/maxillofacial area and oral pathologists must be aware of the key characteristics of these neoplasms to perform an accurate diagnosis. In this manuscript, we attempted to integrate the currently available data on the clinicopathological features of follicular lymphoma (FL), mantle cell lymphoma (MCL), extranodal marginal zone lymphoma of mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue (MALT-L), and chronic lymphocytic leukemia/ small lymphocytic lymphoma (CLL/SLL) affecting these anatomical regions.

METHODS

An updated descriptive literature review was carried out and a detailed electronic search was done in multiple databases to gather all cases affecting the oral/maxillofacial region and palatine tonsils.

RESULTS

We observed that MALT-L was the most frequently reported subtype, followed by FL, MCL, and CLL/SLL. The palate was affected in a high proportion of cases and the most usual clinical presentation was an asymptomatic swelling. MALT-L and CLL/SLL neoplastic cells were strongly associated with small salivary glands. FL showed no gender preference, while MCL and CLL/SLL were more prevalent in males and MALT-L in females. Overall, cases were more common in elderly individuals. Patients' treatment and outcome varied, with MCL being the most aggressive neoplasm with a dismal prognosis in comparison to FL and MALT-L.

CONCLUSION

Despite the poor documentation in many of the cases available, especially regarding the microscopic and molecular features of tumors, this review demonstrated that the oral mature small B-cell lymphomas investigated share similar clinical presentation, but carry different prognostic significance, demanding an accurate diagnosis.

Oral and oropharyngeal lymphomas: A multi-institutional collaborative study

BACKGROUND

Lymphomas in the oral and oropharyngeal regions are relatively uncommon, and their diagnosis is challenging and complex due to the myriad histopathological subtypes. Herein, we report a large series of oral and oropharyngeal lymphomas and compare our data with the currently available literature.

METHODS

All cases diagnosed as lymphomas affecting the oral and oropharyngeal regions were retrospectively retrieved from seven Brazilian institutions. Clinicodemographic data and histopathological features were evaluated and described, while a comprehensive literature review was undertaken in order to compare our findings.

RESULTS

A total of 304 cases of oral and oropharyngeal lymphomas were obtained, mostly affecting individuals aged 60-69 years (n = 68) with a mean age at diagnosis of 54.2 ± 20.1 years. Males and females were equally affected. Mature B-cell neoplasms (87.2%) were the most common group, followed by mature T- and NK-cell neoplasms (11.2%) and precursor lymphoid neoplasms (1.6%). The most frequent subtypes in each group were diffuse large B-cell lymphomas, not otherwise specified (n = 99), extranodal NK/T-cell lymphomas, nasal type (n = 12), and B-lymphoblastic leukaemia/lymphomas, not otherwise specified (n = 4). The most commonly involved sites were the palate (26.3%), mandible (13%), and maxilla (10.5%).

CONCLUSION

Diffuse large B-cell lymphoma, not otherwise specified, remains the most common subtype of lymphomas in the oral and oropharyngeal region. Older patients are the most affected, with no gender predilection and the palate and jaw are usually affected.

Utility of fine needle aspiration cytology to diagnose intraoral lymphoma: 7 years study from a tertiary care center

OBJECTIVE

Fine needle aspiration (FNA) cytology has been successfully utilized in the preoperative diagnosis of oral masses. Lymphoma involving other sites has also been diagnosed frequently on FNA. Oral cavity lymphoma (OL) is rare and is clinically indistinguishable from other lesions of the mouth. A complete excision of these may be difficult. Our experience with FNA diagnosis of 11 OLs along with histopathological correlation is reported herein in a tertiary health care setting.

METHODS

In this retrospective study, clinico pathological characteristics of patients with final diagnosis of non-Hodgkin's lymphoma (NHL) were reviewed over a 7 year period. Routine cytological giemsa staining was performed in all cases along with immunocytochemistry (ICC) wherever possible. The gold standard for diagnosis of NHL was based on: (1) Histopathology and immunohistochemistry and/or (2) Flow cytometry (FC).

RESULTS

A total of 11 cases were diagnosed as NHL. All showed B cell immunophenotype. Two of them were diagnosed as follicular lymphoma on histopathology. Male to female ratio was 7:4 and ranged in age from 37 to 70 years. The most common site was tonsillar fossa (N = 5), followed by hard palate (N = 3), soft palate (N = 2), and buccal mucosa (N = 1). Size ranged from 1 to 6 cm.

CONCLUSIONS

Diagnosis of OLs may be hampered by its rarity and difficulties in obtaining sufficient cellularity in oral FNA but there is need for immediate and accurate diagnostic procedures, including immunohistochemical analysis to avoid delay in treatment. FNA along with ICC helps in early diagnosis of this rare entity and can also provide sample for FC.

Sinensetin induces apoptosis and autophagy in the treatment of human T-cell lymphoma

The present study was carried out to explore the effect of sinensetin in human T-cell lymphoma Jurkat cells and to reveal the underlying molecular mechanisms. We found that sinensetin significantly impeded Jurkat cell proliferation in a dose-dependent and time-dependent manner. Additionally, sinensetin treatment triggered apoptosis and autophagy in Jurkat cells. The apoptosis induction was related to a loss of mitochondrial membrane potential and to increased caspase-3/-8/-9 and poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP) cleavage. Sinensetin also induced autophagy, as evidenced by the formation of acidic vacuoles, the upregulation of LC3-II and beclin-1, and the downregulation of p62. In addition, the inhibition of autophagy by 3-methyladenine significantly enhanced the apoptosis rate and improved the sensitivity of the Jurkat cells to sinensetin. Moreover, sinensetin induced cell death, apoptosis, and autophagy through the activation of the reactive oxygen species/ c-Jun N-terminal kinase signaling pathway and the inhibition of the Akt/mTOR signaling pathways. In summary, our results revealed that sinensetin induced apoptosis and autophagy in human T-cell lymphoma Jurkat cells by activating reactive oxygen species/ c-Jun N-terminal kinase and blocking the Akt/mTOR signaling pathways. Thus, sinensetin might be a potential candidate in the development of antitumor drugs targeting T-cell leukemia.

Epstein-Barr virus in the pathogenesis of oral cancers

Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) is a ubiquitous gamma-herpesvirus that establishes a lifelong persistent infection in the oral cavity and is intermittently shed in the saliva. EBV exhibits a biphasic life cycle, supported by its dual tropism for B lymphocytes and epithelial cells, which allows the virus to be transmitted within oral lymphoid tissues. While infection is often benign, EBV is associated with a number of lymphomas and carcinomas that arise in the oral cavity and at other anatomical sites. Incomplete association of EBV in cancer has questioned if EBV is merely a passenger or a driver of the tumorigenic process. However, the ability of EBV to immortalize B cells and its prevalence in a subset of cancers has implicated EBV as a carcinogenic cofactor in cellular contexts where the viral life cycle is altered. In many cases, EBV likely acts as an agent of tumor progression rather than tumor initiation, conferring malignant phenotypes observed in EBV-positive cancers. Given that the oral cavity serves as the main site of EBV residence and transmission, here we review the prevalence of EBV in oral malignancies and the mechanisms by which EBV acts as an agent of tumor progression.

Hodgkin lymphoma involving the tonsil misdiagnosed as tonsillar carcinoma: A case report and review of the literature

RATIONALE

Primary Hodgkin lymphoma (HL) involving the tonsil is extremely rare. Only about 20 such cases with verification of biopsy and immunohistochemistry have been reported. Because of its rarity and unremarkable clinical presentation, a timely correct diagnosis is very challenging.

PATIENT CONCERNS

A 43-year-old man complained left tonsillar enlargement and painless masses in left neck, with night sweat. The clinical examination found a marked tonsillar asymmetry, with an enlarged left tonsil and ipsilateral cervical lymphadenopathy and a normal right tonsil.

DIAGNOSIS

The patient was initially regarded as tonsillar lymphoepithelial carcinoma.

INTERVENTIONS

The patient received a resection of left tonsil and left cervical masses and then was definitively diagnosed as HL (IIEB). He was managed by 6 cycles of chemotherapy (adriamycin, bleomycin, vinblastine, and dacarbazine) and radiotherapy to the Waldeyer ring.

OUTCOMES

The patient has been disease free for more than 3 years after diagnosis.

LESSONS

As the reason of an extreme rare occurrence of HL involving the tonsil, doctors can easily misdiagnose the disease as tonsillar lymphoepithelial carcinoma. This case serves as a reminder important role of biopsy.

Primary non-Hodgkin's lymphoma of the tongue: a diagnostic dilemma of unusual case presentation

Primary non-Hodgkin's lymphoma of the tongue is extremely uncommon, which makes its diagnosis quite challenging. A panel of 11 markers is used based on morphological differential diagnosis to elucidate the lymphoma subtype. A case of 43-year-old Egyptian man suffering from nodular mass on the right side of the tongue of 4 months duration is presented. No cervical lymphadenopathy was detected. No abdominal organomegaly was noted. The histological evaluation of incisional biopsy revealed a sheet of pleomorphic lymphoid cells with abnormal mitotic figures. A large number of histiocytes were infiltrating the lymphoid cellular sheet. The results of immunophenotyping were extranodal T-cell lymphoma. A proper immunohistochemical workup is crucial for the correct diagnosis and proper management.

Oral manifestations of lymphoma: a systematic review

Lymphoma is a malignant disease with two forms: Hodgkin's lymphoma (HL) and non-Hodgkin's lymphoma (NHL). Non-Hodgkin's lymphoma is diagnosed in extranodal sites in 40% of cases, and the head and neck region is the second most affected, with an incidence of 11-33%, while HL has a very low incidence in extranodal sites (1-4%). The aim of this study was to identify the oral manifestations of lymphoma through a systematic literature review, which we conducted using the PubMed, Lilacs, Embase, and Cochrane Library databases. We found 1456 articles, from which we selected 73. Among the intraoral findings, the most frequent were ulcerations, pain, swelling, and tooth mobility, while the extraoral findings included facial asymmetry and cervical, submandibular, and submental lymphadenopathy. Among the few studies reporting imaging findings, the most cited lesions included hypodense lesions with diffuse boundaries, bone resorptions, and tooth displacements. The publications reviewed highlight gaps in the areas of early detection, diagnosis, and proper treatment.

Clinical findings of extranodal SNT lymphoid malignancies in a four-decade single-centre series

Sinonasally located lymphoid malignancies are rare lesions with first symptoms similar to other obstructive conditions. Additionally, they often coexist with nasal inflammation and mucosal necrosis. Therefore, time from the first symptoms to diagnosis tends to be long. Awareness and early diagnosis of this disease entity could improve treatment outcome. Altogether, 142 patients with sinonasal or nasopharyngeal (i.e. sinonasal tract, SNT) lymphoid malignancies, diagnosed and treated at the Helsinki University Hospital, during a 39-year period from 1975 to 2013, were retrospectively reviewed. There were 90 males (63 %) and 52 females (37 %) with a median age of 64 years (range 26-92). Eighty-four percent of the patients had primary diseases and 16 % had relapses of lymphoid malignancies primarily diagnosed at other locations. The mean duration of symptoms prior to diagnosis was 4.8 months (range 0.5-24). The most common histological entity was diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (43 %), followed by plasmacytoma (18 %). The most common location was nasopharynx (58 %) followed by nasal cavity (44 %) and paranasal sinuses (35 %). Sixty-nine percent of the lesions were at a single anatomic location of the sinonasal tract. Fifty-two percent of the cases were of Ann Arbor Stage I. Lymphoid malignancies form an important and diverse group in the differential diagnosis of SNT tumours. They most often present with general obstructive nasal symptoms due to tumour location. Most of them are primary lesions, highlighting the importance of an accurate diagnosis as early as possible.

Histopathological Characteristics of Lymphomas in the Upper Aerodigestive Tract. A Single-Institute Study in Japan

We analyzed the histopathological characteristics of lymphomas biopsied from the upper aerodigestive tract between 2000 and 2014 at the National Cancer Center Hospital in Japan. Of a total of 309 consecutive cases, the following incidences were observed: mature B-cell neoplasms, 77% (n = 239); mature T- and NK-cell neoplasms, 20% (n = 63); classical Hodgkin lymphomas, 0.7% (n = 2); and lymphoblastic lymphomas, 2% (n = 5). Lymphomas were most frequently (57%) detected in the oropharynx. The majority of cases (89%) were mature B-cell neoplasms (diffuse large B-cell lymphoma, 60%; follicular lymphoma, 10%), and 10% of cases were mature T-cell neoplasms. Six cases of plasma cell neoplasm (4 primary and 2 secondary involvement) and 2 cases of plasmablastic lymphoma in the upper aerodigestive tract were observed. Two out of 3 cases of extraosseous plasmacytoma with available biopsy material were positive for EBER1. All 3 patients received irradiation and achieved complete response; 1 had not relapsed after 17 months and the remaining 2 relapsed as plasma cell myeloma and solitary plasmacytoma of the bone. Of 47 extranodal NK/T-cell lymphoma, nasal-type cases in the upper aerodigestive tract, 38 (81%) were present in the sinonasal region and the remaining 9 (19%) were in the oropharynx (n = 4), nasopharynx (n = 3), and oral cavity (n = 2). In conclusion, since both primary lymphoma and secondary involvement of lymphoma are often diagnosed using biopsied materials from the upper aerodigestive tract, pathologists and hematologists should recognize the characteristics of lymphoma in this tissue.

Oral Lymphoma Prevalence in Iranian Population: A Multicenter Retrospective Study

BACKGROUND

Oral lymphoma is the second most common malignancy of the head and neck region after malignant epithelial tumors.

OBJECTIVES

Considering the lack of a multicenter study on the frequency of oral lymphoma in Iran, this study aimed to assess the relative frequency of oral lymphomas in Iran during a 6-year period.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

This multicenter, retrospective, cross-sectional study was conducted in two phases. In the first phase, cases of oral lymphoma registered in the cancer research center (CRC) of Shahid Beheshti university of medical sciences were extracted. The patient records and pathology reports of these patients were retrieved from the archives and age, sex and microscopic type site of the lesions were evaluated.

RESULTS

Oral lymphoma accounts for 1% of head and neck malignancies and 8% of all lymphomas. From 2003 to 2008, a total of 437 new cases of oral lymphomas had been registered in the CRC. Diffuse large B-cell lymphoma was found to be the most common form of oral lymphoma in the 6-year period with 240 (54.9%) registered cases. The majority of detected cases were in the 6th and 7th decades of life with a male to female ratio of 1:84. Tonsils were the most common site of occurrence of lymphoma in the oral cavity (77.8%).

CONCLUSIONS

The age of onset, site of involvement, sex of patients, and histopathological subtype of oral lymphomas in the Iranian population were found to be similar to those of most other countries.

Large B-cell lymphoma of the base of the tongue and oral cavity: a practical approach to identifying prognostically important subtypes

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study is to illustrate a practical approach to the identification of prognostically important subtypes of large B-cell lymphomas.

STUDY DESIGN

Twenty-six cases of large B-cell lymphoma in the base of the tongue and oral cavity were retrieved from 2003 through 2012. All cases were classified based on the 2008 World Health Organization criteria. Hematoxylin-eosin-stained sections, immunohistochemical stains, flow cytometric immunophenotypic data, and fluorescence in situ hybridization studies were performed and evaluated.

RESULTS

Four different subtypes of large B-cell lymphoma were identified: pleomorphic variant mantle cell lymphoma, Epstein-Barr virus-positive diffuse large B-cell lymphoma of the elderly, diffuse large B-cell lymphoma not otherwise specified, and B-cell lymphoma unclassifiable with features intermediate between diffuse large B-cell lymphoma and Burkitt lymphoma, including a case of double-hit lymphoma.

CONCLUSIONS

Diverse subtypes of large B-cell lymphoma were identified in the base of tongue and oral cavity, and illustrate a practical approach to recognizing prognostically important lymphoma subtypes.

Fine needle aspiration cytology of lymphoproliferative lesions of the oral cavity

OBJECTIVE

Oral cavity non-Hodgkin lymphoma (OCL) is a rare condition that may be clinically and radiologically indistinguishable from other pathologies of the mouth. A complete excision or adequate biopsy of the OCL may be difficult. Fine needle aspiration (FNA) cytology has been successfully utilized in the pre-operative diagnosis of oral masses and in lymphoma involving other anatomical areas. Our experience with FNA pre-operative cytological diagnosis of 16 OCLs is reported herein.

METHODS

The results of FNA cytology on 16 consecutive lymphoproliferative lesions of the oral cavity collected over an 8-year period in three institutions were retrieved. Sampled lesions were submucosal masses of different sizes bulging into the oral cavity. Rapid on-site evaluation (ROSE) and routine cytological staining were performed. Immunocytochemistry (ICC), flow cytometry (FC) and polymerase chain reaction (PCR) of the IGH (immunoglobulin heavy) locus were performed on additional passes according to ROSE.

RESULTS

Fourteen OCLs, one myeloma and one florid reactive lymphoid hyperplasia (FRLH) were diagnosed by FNA. OCLs were diagnosed as large B-cell (eight cases) and small B-cell (six cases) lymphomas. Histology revealed eight diffuse large B-cell lymphomas (DLBCL), four lymphomas of mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue (MALT), two follicular lymphomas and one FRLH; no false-negative or false-positive results were diagnosed, but accurate subclassification was obtained in four cases only.

CONCLUSIONS

FNA diagnosis of OCLs may be hampered by the rare incidence, anatomical context and difficulties in obtaining a sufficient amount of cells. Ancillary techniques should be used according to ROSE; a pre-operative FNA cytology diagnosis can avoid unnecessary extensive surgery and speed up the institution of therapeutic procedures.

Waldeyer's ring marginal zone B cell lymphoma: are the clinical and prognostic features nodal or extranodal? A study by the Consortium for Improving Survival of Lymphoma (CISL)

There has been controversy surrounding Waldeyer's ring (WR), especially focused on the question of whether it should be regarded as a nodal or an extranodal site. We conducted retrospective analyses of marginal zone B cell lymphomas involving WR (WR-MZLs) to observe their clinical features and prognosis, with specific regard to the nodal-or-extranodal question. A total of 52 patients with histological diagnosis of WR-MZL were retrospectively analyzed. The most common involvement site was the tonsil (40.4 %). Ann Arbor stage III/VI disease was present in 48.1 % (25 of 52). The response rate of the 27 stage I/II patients was 88.9 %, with 21 complete remissions and three partial remissions. The median time to progression (TTP) was 3.7 years (95 % CI 2.5-4.9 years). The estimated 5-year TTP and overall survival rates were 39.4 and 90.5 %, respectively. In a comparison with the historical data regarding extra-WR MALT lymphoma and nodal MZL (N-MZL), MALT lymphoma showed better TTP results than did WR-MZL and N-MZL (P < 0.001).

Extranodal non-hodgkin lymphomas of the oral cavity and maxillofacial region: a clinical study of 58 cases and review of the literature

PURPOSE

Approximately one third of non-Hodgkin lymphomas (NHLs) arise in tissues other than the lymph nodes. The purposes of this study are to evaluate the clinical outcome of NHLs of the oral cavity and maxillofacial region in a group of 58 patients who were diagnosed in our clinic and to discuss the clinical, histologic, and immunohistochemical features of these malignant neoplasms, as well as the prognosis.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The study included 58 patients with extranodal NHLs of the oral cavity and maxillofacial region. There were 32 male and 26 female patients. The patients' ages ranged from 7 to 81 years. The most frequent sites of occurrence were the salivary glands (24 patients) and intraoral mucosa (21 patients). Other sites were the paranasal sinus (3 patients), Waldeyer ring (4 patients), bone of the jaws (3 patients), and orbit (3 patients). The histologic subtype was extranodal marginal zone lymphoma of the mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue (MALT) in 21 patients, diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) in 19, chronic lymphocytic leukemia in 10, mantle cell lymphoma in 4, follicular lymphoma in 2, Burkitt lymphoma/leukemia in 1, and B-cell acute lymphocytic leukemia (B-ALL) in 1. Of the DLBCL cases, 13 were stage IIE and 6 were stage IE. All the MALT lymphomas were stage IE.

RESULTS

The mean follow-up was 5 years after the initial diagnosis. A better prognosis was found in patients with MALT lymphomas (19 of 21 patients are alive) compared with those with DLBCLs (10 of 19 patients are alive).

CONCLUSIONS

MALT lymphomas have a more favorable outcome (about 90%) in comparison with DLBCLs. Careful examination of the oral cavity and neck by the maxillofacial surgeon is essential for the diagnosis and staging of lymphomas.

T-cell therapies for Epstein-Barr virus-associated lymphomas

Epstein-Barr virus (EBV)-associated lymphomas represent a broad spectrum of diseases and can be characterized by their pattern of viral latency. These pathologies display the importance of healthy T cell-mediated control of the EBV-infected B cells. Burkitt's lymphoma is the least immunogenic and has a type I latency pattern. Hodgkin's and a variety of non-Hodgkin's lymphomas exhibit antigens of type II latency. Posttransplant lymphoproliferative disease in the solid organ and hematopoietic stem cell transplant setting as well as lymphomas arising in primary immunodeficiency patients are tumors with type III latency. This last group expresses all 9 latent proteins and is the most immunogenic. T-cell approaches including donor lymphocyte infusions and the adoptive transfer of EBV-specific cytotoxic T lymphocytes can be used to treat these diseases. The authors describe the biology of these EBV-associated lymphomas and review the methodology and outcomes of existing T cell-based therapies as well as strategies to improve their efficacy.

Primary gastrointestinal lymphoma

Gastrointestinal tract is the most common extranodal site involved by lymphoma with the majority being non-Hodgkin type. Although lymphoma can involve any part of the gastrointestinal tract, the most frequent sites in order of its occurrence are the stomach followed by small intestine and ileocecal region. Gastrointestinal tract lymphoma is usually secondary to the widespread nodal diseases and primary gastrointestinal tract lymphoma is relatively rare. Gastrointestinal lymphomas are usually not clinically specific and indistinguishable from other benign and malignant conditions. Diffuse large B-cell lymphoma is the most common pathological type of gastrointestinal lymphoma in essentially all sites of the gastrointestinal tract, although recently the frequency of other forms has also increased in certain regions of the world. Although some radiological features such as bulky lymph nodes and maintenance of fat plane are more suggestive of lymphoma, they are not specific, thus mandating histopathological analysis for its definitive diagnosis. There has been a tremendous leap in the diagnosis, staging and management of gastrointestinal lymphoma in the last two decades attributed to a better insight into its etiology and molecular aspect as well as the knowledge about its critical signaling pathways.

Primary diffuse large B-cell lymphoma of the oral cavity: germinal center classification

Primary lymphomas of the oral cavity are rare and the most frequent type is diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL). Recently, several reports have highlighted the value of classifying DLBCL into prognostically important subgroups, namely germinal center B-cell like (GCB) and non-germinal center B-cell like (non-GCB) lymphomas based on gene expression profiles and by immunohistochemical expression of CD10, BCL6 and MUM-1. GCB lymphomas tend to exhibit a better prognosis than non-GCB lymphomas. Studies validating this classification have been done for DLBCL of the breast, CNS, testes and GI tract. Therefore we undertook this study to examine if primary oral DLBCLs reflect this trend. We identified 13 cases (age range 38-91 years) from our archives dating from 2003-09. IHC was performed using antibodies against germinal center markers (CD10, BCL6), activated B-cell markers (MUM1, BCL2) and Ki-67 (proliferation marker). Cases were sub-classified as GCB subgroup if CD10 and/or BCL6 were positive and MUM-1, was negative and as non-GCB subgroup if CD10 was negative and MUM-1 was positive. Immunoreactivity was noted in 2/13 cases for CD10, in 12/13 for BCL6, in 8/13 for MUM-1, and in 6/13 for BCL2. Therefore, 8/13 (58%) were sub-classified as non-GCB DLBCLs and 5/13 (42%) as GCB subgroup. All tumors showed frequent labeling with Ki-67 (range 40-95%). Four of the 8 patients with non-GCB subgroup succumbed to their disease, with the mean survival rate of 16 months. Two patients in this group are alive, one with no evidence of disease and another with disease. No information was available for the other 3 patients in this group. Four of the 5 patients in the GCB subgroup were alive with no evidence of disease and one patient succumbed to complications of therapy and recurrent disease after 18 months. In conclusion, our analysis shows that primary oral DLBCL predominantly belongs to the non-GCB subgroup, which tends to exhibit a poorer prognosis. These findings could allow pathologists to provide a more accurate insight into the potential aggressive behavior and poorer prognosis of these lymphomas.

Progressive transformation of the germinal center of extranodal organs: a clinicopathological, immunohistochemical, and genotypic study of 14 cases

Progressive transformation of germinal center (PTGC) usually affects the peripheral lymph nodes. Little is known about the extranodal PTGC. To clarify the clinicopathological and molecular findings of extranodal PTGC, we studied 14 such cases. Using formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded sections, we carried out histological and immunohistochemical examinations, as well as in situ hybridization (ISH) and polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Eleven patients were female, and three were male. They were between 44 and 77 years old, with a mean age of 62 years. The large intestine (n=7) was the most frequently involved tissue, followed by skin (n=2) and subcutaneous soft tissue (n=2). Oral cavity, Waldeyer ring, and orbit were affected in one case each. Histologically, 13 cases contained both early stage PTGC and late stage PTGC. The remaining 14th case contained only late stage PTGC. Expansion of the marginal zone was identified in three cases. Immunohistochemical study demonstrated the reactive nature of the B-cells in all 14 lesions. However, PCR study revealed immunoglobulin heavy chain (IgH) gene rearrangement in one of our 14 cases. There was no development of B-cell lymphoma in one lesion with IgH rearrangement. ISH study demonstrated Epstein-Barr virus-encoded small RNA+ cells in three lesions. Compared with PTGC of the peripheral lymph node, PTGC of extranodal sites was characterized by a female predominance, an older age group, and the presence of numerous PTGC at the affected sites. However, the histological findings of extranodal PTG were similar to those of lymph node PTGC. The clinicopathological findings of the extranodal PTGCs appeared to be different from those of lymph node PTGC.

Primary Nasopharyngeal non-Hodgkin lymphomas: a retrospective review of 26 Moroccan patients

Background

Nasopharyngeal non-Hodgkin lymphomas (NNHL) are extremely rare. In this study, we will report the progress achieved in the management of this disease in our institute.

Methods

We retrospectively reviewed the records of 26 patients having primary NNHL who were managed between January 1997 and December 2008, to evaluate and compare their clinical characteristics and treatment outcome. Clinical variables, including age, sex, stage, and treatment modality, were assessed. Disease free survival and overall survival were measured. Survival curves were constructed using the KaplanMeier method. The log-rank test was used to compare them.

Results

Median age of our patients was 52.7 years. Nasal obstruction, nasal discharge and epistaxis were the frequent symptoms in NNHL patients. Histology of NNHL were mainly large B-cell and follicular lymphoma. Four patients (15.4%) were at stage I, 15 (57.6%) at stage II, and 7 (27%) were at stage III/IV. The patients were treated with chemotherapy alone (27%) or chemotherapy plus radiotherapy (73%). At early stage (stage I/II), the patients were managed with chemo-radiotherapy. When the whole treatment was completed, 18 patients (69.2%) achieved complete response and remained disease free. After 25.9 months median follow-up, overall survival at 1 year was 87% and disease free survival at 1 year was 71%. The difference in term of overall and disease free survival between stage I, II, III and IV was significant (Log rank test: p = 0.02 for overall survival and p = 0.01 for disease free survival).

Conclusion

From our study, we conclude that histological characteristics, principle of treatment and outcome of primary NNHL patients are particular and more studies have to be directed.

Mantle cell lymphoma of the oral cavity: case series and comprehensive review of the literature

OBJECTIVE

Mantle cell lymphoma (MCL) is a rare B-cell neoplasm that has only recently been defined as a distinct entity. Because of its rarity and histologic similarities to other small cell lymphomas, the microscopic diagnosis of MCL may be challenging. This is particularly true within the oral cavity, where other lymphomas are more frequent. To date, few cases of MCL presenting within the oral cavity have been reported.

STUDY DESIGN

We present 2 new cases of MCL within the oral cavity and systematically review 7 other cases of MCL reported in the English-language literature. Historical cases were reviewed, and available data regarding morphology, special stains, demographics, clinical presentation, radiographic findings, management, and outcome were extracted. Data from our present series were then compared with the earlier published literature.

RESULTS

To the best of our knowledge, this is the largest reviewed series of MCL within the oral cavity, totaling 9 cases. The features of our cases, including histology, clinical presentation, and outcome, are consistent with the 7 earlier reported cases. The majority of oral MCLs occur in an older male population, and a high proportion occur on the palate.

CONCLUSION

We conclude that MCL of the oral cavity is an uncommon diagnosis. Most oral MCLs occur in an elderly male population and have a possible predilection for the palate. The microscopic diagnosis can be challenging, given its similar appearance to other small cell lymphomas, requiring a comprehensive immunohistochemical panel for the accurate diagnosis. Like MCL occurring in other sites in the body, the prognosis and outcome of oral MCL appears to be poor.

Patients with localized primary non-tonsillar oral diffuse large B-cell lymphoma exhibit favorable prognosis despite a non-germinal center B-cell-like phenotype

Diffuse large B-cell lymphomas are detected frequently in the oral cavity. Although tonsillar lymphomas have been rather well characterized, lymphomas originating from non-tonsillar regions, such as the gingiva, palate, and tongue, have not been well studied. We examined the pathology of clinical samples obtained from 21 patients with localized primary non-tonsillar oral diffuse large B-cell lymphoma. Immunohistological examination of CD10, Bcl-6, and MUM1 determined that 17 of 21 (81%) samples exhibited non-germinal center B-cell type, an increased proportion of non-germinal center B-cell type compared with previous reports in samples of tonsillar origin (P<0.05). The four remaining samples exhibited germinal center B-cell type, although one sample expressed MUM1. Follow-up clinical survival data were obtained from the 17 patients over a range from 4 to 173 months (mean 52 months). All patients were treated with chemotherapies, irradiation, or surgical resection. Sixteen patients achieved complete remission and two patients relapsed, but no patient has died of disease. Extranodal diffuse large B-cell lymphomas of non-germinal center B-cell type are generally characterized by poor prognosis, regardless of localized disease. Interestingly, our results indicate that, unlike similar lymphomas of tonsillar origin, localized primary non-tonsillar oral diffuse large B-cell lymphomas exhibit favorable prognosis, suggesting that these lymphomas may be clinicopathologically distinct.

Primary lymphoma of the head and neck: two case reports and review of the literature

Background

The head and neck is the second most common region for the extra-nodal lymphomas after that of gastrointestinal tract. Approximately 2.5% of malignant lymphoma arises in the oral and para-oral region. In this paper we report two cases of early stage head and neck lymphoma which were managed successfully with chemotherapy and a review of the related literature.

Cases presentation

The first case concerns a 48 years male patient having a diffuse large B-Cell lymphoma of the oropharynx at early bulky stage. This patient was managed successfully with 7 of Rituximab 375 mg/m², Cyclophosphamide 750 mg/m² d1, Doxorubicine 50 mg/m² d1, Vincristine 1.4 mg/m² d1, and prednisone 50 mg/m² d1-5 (RCHOP) regimen. The second case concerns a 50 years female patient having the nasal natural killer (NK)/T-cell lymphoma of the left nasal pit at early stage. This case was managed successfully with 6 of Cyclophosphamide 750 mg/m² d1, Doxorubicine 50 mg/m² d1, Vincristine 1.4 mg/m² d1, and prednisone 50 mg/m² d1-5 (CHOP) regimen.

Conclusion

These two cases highlight the important role of CHOP based chemotherapy for achieving successful treatment cure for patients having an early stage head and neck lymphoma.

Treatment of localized oral MALT lymphoma by rituximab: a case report

INTRODUCTION

Extranodal marginal zone B cell lymphoma of mucosa-associated lymphoma tissue (MALT) among intraoral malignant lymphomas is very rare. Moreover, no case of oral MALT lymphoma treated with monoclonal antibody therapy has been reported.

DISCUSSION

We describe a case of MALT lymphoma arising in an 87-year-old Japanese woman under the buccal mucosa that was successfully treated with rituximab, a chimeric monoclonal antibody against the B cell-specific antigen CD20. Currently, 5 months after completing treatment, the patient is alive and has partial regression of the tumor.

Oral Burkitt's lymphoma in children: the Moroccan experience

Thirty-seven children with Burkitt's lymphoma of the oral region diagnosed between 1998 and 2005 were reviewed. There were 31 boys and 6 girls. The mean age at diagnosis was 6.64 years (range 2-15 years) with a mean delay to diagnosis of 41 days (range 10 days-2 months). There was a predominance of maxillary over mandibular involvement: 1.44:1. Complaints included exophytic mass with dental displacement (100%), abdominal pain (68%), nerve palsy (28%) and orbital swelling (21%). Toothache as initial complaint led to dental extraction in 12 cases. According to the Murphy classification, there were 4 stage II, 11 stage III and 22 stage IV tumours; 43% and 41% had bone marrow and central nervous system involvement, respectively. After chemotherapy, complete remission was seen in 59% of cases. Remission in two children was relatively brief, lasting no more than 3 months. After a median follow-up of 45 months (range 9-99 months), the disease-free survival rate was 54%. In conclusion, in this series, oral presentation of Burkitt's lymphoma was a component of more widely disseminated disease. The pattern seemed to fall between that of the endemic and the sporadic types. Even with intensive chemotherapy, patients with advanced disease maintained a poor prognosis.

Oral non-Hodgkin's lymphoma: review of the literature and World Health Organization classification with reference to 40 cases

Forty cases of oral cavity non-Hodgkin's lymphoma (NHL) were evaluated for sex, age, location, clinical presentation, and World Health Organization (WHO) histological subtype. Fifty-three percent were female and the mean age was 71. The upper jaw (maxilla or palatal bone), mandible, palatal soft tissue, and vestibule and gingivae (maxillary or mandibular soft tissue involvement only) were, respectively, the most common locations. Swelling, ulceration, and radiographic destruction of bone were the most frequent signs. Most of the lymphomas were of B cell lineage (98%), and the majority of these B cell lymphomas (58%) were histologically subtyped as diffuse large B cell lymphoma, which is considered to have an aggressive clinical course. An immunohistochemical panel was used in the majority of cases to confirm the lineage and to help characterize the subtype. B and T cell specific markers were used to show lineage of the neoplastic cells. Additional markers were used to help confirm specific subtypes that characteristically show specific positivity to some of these antibodies. Molecular studies to detect monoclonal immunoglobulin heavy chain (IgH) gene rearrangements and Bcl-1 and Bcl-2 gene translocations were performed in cases in which the diagnosis was in question. The current WHO classification is also reviewed in detail.

Presentation of two cases of nasal type NK/T-cell lymphoma

Nasal type NK/T-cell lymphoma is a rare type of predominantly extranodal non-Hodgkin lymphoma. Early and correct diagnosis with prompt treatment of NK/T-cell lymphoma is important in view of its potentially aggressive behavior and poor response to treatment with additional sites of tumor developing sometimes weeks or months after initial diagnosis. Unfortunately diagnosis of NK/T-cell lymphomas often proves difficult. The diagnosis is essentially based on the clinical presentation of extranodal ulcerative lesions in the upper aero-digestive tract and histopathologic analysis of biopsies using immunohistochemistry. Here we present two cases with nasal-type NK/T-cell lymphoma that illustrate that definitive diagnosis is often delayed due to the atypical initial presentation. We will discuss the pitfalls in diagnosing this rare type of neoplasm and review the treatment options.

Monomorphic Epstein-Barr virus (EBV)-associated large B-cell posttransplant lymphoproliferative disorder presenting as a tongue ulcer in a pancreatic transplant patient

Posttransplant lymphoproliferative disorders are a group of lymphoid proliferations and lymphomas that develop as a consequence of immunosuppression in recipients of solid organ or bone marrow allografts. We describe an unusual oral presentation of posttransplant Epstein-Barr virus-associated diffuse large B-cell lymphoma in a 45-year-old woman after pancreatic transplant.

Spontaneous regression of intraoral mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue lymphoma: molecular study of a case

Mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue (MALT) lymphoma presentation in the oral cavity is very rare. Reported herein is a case of intraoral MALT lymphoma of the minor salivary gland in a 70-year-old woman with Sjogren's syndrome. Unexpectedly, a spontaneous clinically and histologically confirmed regression occurred 1 month after the tumor biopsy for diagnosis. Considering that salivary MALT lymphoma is associated with Sjogren's syndrome and that the chronic inflammation caused by Sjogren's syndrome persisted, it is hypothesized that the tumor clone might be present in the regressed lesion. Minimal residual tumor clone identical with the primary lesion was detected using the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) clonality assay for immunoglobulin heavy chain gene (IgH) rearrangement. No recurrence was clinically evident 38 months after the diagnosis. Spontaneous regression of MALT lymphoma should be examined at the molecular level in addition to clinical and histological evaluations. When minimal residual disease is detected, close follow up is necessary for early detection of the tumor relapse.

Epstein-Barr viral infection in extranodal lymphoma of the head and neck: correlation with prognosis and response to treatment

AIMS

To determine the prevalence of Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) infection in primary extranodal lymphoma of the head and neck (PELHN) in immunocompetent patients. PELHN represents 16.18% of all lymphoma diagnosed at the National Cancer Institute, Cairo. Although EBV infection is highly associated with lymphoma in immunocompromised patients, the situation in immunocompetent patients is still unclear.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

The study included 50 PELHN (11 cases in the nose and paranasal sinuses, 11 in the nasopharynx, 13 in the tonsils, seven in the oropharynx and eight in the oral cavity), five reactive lymph nodes, 15 normal nasopharyngeal tissue and 25 throat washes of healthy subjects from Egypt. Cases and controls were assessed for the presence of EBV by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and in situ hybridization techniques, the presence of 30 base pair deletion of the LMP-1 (del-LMP1) gene and for the expression of p53, Ki67, bcl-2 and Bax by immunohistochemistry. This was also correlated with the clinical outcome of patients.

RESULTS

EBV was detected in 90% and 70% of the cases using EBER in situ hybridization and PCR, respectively. All cases of nasal type lymphoma were positive for EBV. del-LMP1 gene was detected in 24/35 of EBV+ cases (68.6%), whereas 11 cases had wild-type variant either alone or mixed with del-LMP1. There was a significant difference in the frequency of del-LMP1 between lymphoma and normal tissues. Overexpression of Ki67, p53 and bcl-2 was detected in 78.1%, 62.5% and 20% of cases, whereas loss of Bax was detected in 18% of the cases. Multivariate analysis showed that only p53 overexpression, del-LMP1 variant and advanced disease stage are independent prognostic factors.

CONCLUSION

EBV infection is frequent in PELHN in Egypt. Possible pathogenic mechanisms involve deregulation of p53 and enhanced proliferation (as detected by high Ki67 index). The presence of del-LMP1 variants, p53 overexpression and advanced disease stage are poor prognostic factors associated with reduced survival and poor response to therapy.

Extranodal lymphomas of the head and neck

Malignant lymphomas represent approximately 5% of all malignant neoplasms of the head and neck and may involve nodal or extranodal sites. Nodal head and neck lymphomas are similar to other nodal sites and are not further reviewed here. The head and neck region is the second most frequent anatomical site of extranodal lymphomas (after the gastrointestinal tract). Most are non-Hodgkin's lymphomas of B-cell lineage, and overall diffuse large B-cell lymphoma is the most common type. Hodgkin's lymphoma rarely occurs in extranodal sites. Other hematologic neoplasms that commonly involve extranodal sites of the head and neck are also discussed. In this review, we begin by discussing lymphomas involving the head and neck according to anatomical site. Then we discuss specifically the pathological findings of extranodal marginal zone lymphoma of mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue, plasmablastic lymphoma, extramedullary plasmacytoma, and extranodal natural killer/T-cell lymphoma of nasal type.

Characterization of latent membrane protein 2 specificity in CTL lines from patients with EBV-positive nasopharyngeal carcinoma and lymphoma

Viral proteins expressed by EBV-associated tumors provide target Ags for immunotherapy. Adoptive T cell therapy has proven effective for posttransplant EBV-associated lymphoma in which all EBV latent Ags are expressed (type III latency). Application of immunotherapeutic strategies to tumors such as nasopharyngeal carcinoma and Hodgkin's lymphoma that have a restricted pattern of EBV Ag expression (type II latency) is under investigation. Potential EBV Ag targets for T cell therapy expressed by these tumors include latent membrane proteins (LMP) 1 and 2. A broad panel of epitopes must be identified from these target Ags to optimize vaccination strategies and facilitate monitoring of tumor-specific T cell populations after immunotherapeutic interventions. To date, LMP2 epitopes have been identified for only a limited number of HLA alleles. Using a peptide library spanning the entire LMP2 sequence, 25 CTL lines from patients with EBV-positive malignancies expressing type II latency were screened for the presence of LMP2-specific T cell populations. In 21 of 25 lines, T cell responses against one to five LMP2 epitopes were identified. These included responses to previously described epitopes as well as to newly identified HLA-A*0206-, A*0204/17-, A29-, A68-, B*1402-, B27-, B*3501-, B53-, and HLA-DR-restricted epitopes. Seven of the nine newly identified epitopes were antigenically conserved among virus isolates from nasopharyngeal carcinoma tumors. These new LMP2 epitopes broaden the diversity of HLA alleles with available epitopes, and, in particular, those epitopes conserved between EBV strains provide valuable tools for immunotherapy and immune monitoring.

Primary diffuse large B-cell non-Hodgkin lymphoma of the paranasal sinuses: a report of 14 cases

Sinonasal lymphoma (SL) is a rare form of extranodal lymphoma. Of 33 SL cases, 14 consecutive diffuse large B-cell lymphomas were treated with CHOP (adriamycin, cyclophosphamide, vincristine and prednisone) or CHOP-like chemotherapy regimen. Ten achieved complete remission (CR) and three achieved a partial remission. With a median follow-up period of 80 months, seven patients relapsed or progressed [one case including central nervous system (CNS) progression]. Four of the relapses involved the CNS. Eight patients were alive, including seven in CR and six patients had died of their lymphoma. This observation strongly suggests that CNS prophylaxis should be used in SL.

Biology and Treatment of Epstein-Barr Virus–Associated Non-Hodgkin Lymphomas

Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) is associated with several different types of aggressive non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL). Individuals with primary or secondary immunodeficiency are susceptible to developing B cell lymphoproliferation due to outgrowth of EBV-infected B cells that express type III latency characterized by expression of all nine latent-cycle EBV antigens. These cells would normally be susceptible to control by EBV-specific T cells, and strategies to restore EBV-specific immune responses may be effective therapeutically. EBV-associated lymphomas occurring in individuals who do not have a known immunodeficiency include NK and T malignancies with cytotoxic phenotypes, sporadic cases of B-NHL and lymphomatoid granulomatosis. These malignancies respond poorly to standard chemoradiotherapy, and immunotherapeutic or pharmacologic strategies targeting EBV are being explored.