Characteristics of oral and paraoral malignant lymphoma: a population-based review of 361 cases

Prognostic and survival factors in head and neck extra-nodal non-Hodgkin's lymphoma

OBJECTIVE

To make a clinical-biological characterization of this pathology and assess the survival of these patients and the associated prognostic factors.

STUDY DESIGN

A retrospective observational study was designed to identify primary extranodal non-Hodgkin lymphomas of the head and neck diagnosed between January 1, 2005, and January 1, 2016. Cases were considered if they presented with a single tumor in situ or if the extranodal component was clinically predominant.

RESULTS

A total of 145 patients were included. Localized stages (I-II) were present in 69.3%. Overall, 91.8% were B-cell phenotype, with diffuse large B-cell lymphoma being the most frequent. Overall, 78% of patients were treated with immunochemotherapy. The overall survival at 3 and 5 years was 75% and 73%, respectively. Adverse prognostic factors were: low hemoglobin, elevated ß2-microglobulin, and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) levels, Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group (ECOG), stage III/IV, and B symptomatology at diagnosis. The progression-free survival at 3 and 5 years was 71% and 68%. Risk factors for relapse were high ß2-microglobulin, high LDH, and stage III-IV at diagnosis.

CONCLUSIONS

These pathologies show a good response to treatment with immuno-polychemotherapy. Factors associated with a worse prognosis included low hemoglobin, elevated levels of ß2-microglobulin and LDH, elevated ECOG, stage III/IV, and B symptomatology at diagnosis.

Malignant Lesions of the Oral Region

This article focuses on the radiographic presentations of various malignant conditions that affect the oral region and delineates the role of CT, MR imaging, and PET in oral cancer imaging.

Intraoral Extranodal Natural Killer Cell/T-Cell Lymphoma of the Hard Palate

Natural killer cell/T-cell lymphoma (NK/TL) is a rare subtype of non-Hodgkin's lymphoma (NHL) associated with the Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) and requires early detection, which can be very challenging. NK/TL often arises in the nasal cavity and can then spread to the oral cavity, but the case presented here is an unusual presentation of NK/TL in a 66-year-old edentulous male patient who initially presented an intraoral exophytic lesion in the palate that appeared within 3 months. We report the present case to highlight the challenges of reaching an accurate diagnosis given the diverse clinical manifestations of NK/TL.

Primary diffuse large B-cell lymphoma of the head and neck in a Brazilian single-center study

OBJECTIVES

Lymphomas represent around 10% of head and neck neoplasms, among which the diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) is the most common histologic subtype. In the present study, we characterized demographic parameters, anatomical sites, and survival rates of patients in a Brazilian cancer center.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Single-center retrospective epidemiological study of 243 head and neck DLBCL patients. Demographic characteristics, tumor localization, HIV status, lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) activity, and treatment modality were obtained from electronic medical records.

RESULTS

The most common primary head and neck tumor location in patients with DLBCL was Waldeyer's ring. Interestingly, age above 80 years, male gender, high LDH levels, and HIV positivity were significantly associated with shorter overall survival (OS) rates and increased risk of death. We further demonstrated that treatment had a protective effect, improving OS, and reducing risk of death. Notably, we found no benefit of combination of chemotherapy and radiotherapy versus isolated treatment modalities.

CONCLUSION

The study showed that primary head and neck DLBCL is more incident in middle age and elderly patients with a small male patients' majority in a Brazilian population. Moreover, we observed a 3-year OS rate of almost 60% and multivariate analysis showed that treatment was the only protective factor.

Inflammatory Presentation of a Primary Extranodal Diffuse Large B-cell Lymphoma of the Maxillary Sinus

Diffuse large B-cell lymphoma originating from the maxillary sinus is rarely reported in the literature. Diagnosis is challenging since the long absence of signs and symptoms allows it to grow undetected or be confused with benign inflammatory conditions. The purpose of this paper is to present an unusual manifestation of this rare pathology. A patient in his 50s, presented to his local emergency department with malar and left eye pain after local trauma. Physical examination showed infraorbital edema, palpebral ptosis, exophthalmos, and left ophthalmoplegia. CT scan showed a soft tissue mass measuring 43x31 mm in the left maxillary sinus. An incisional biopsy was performed, and results showed diffuse large B-cell lymphoma with positivity for CD10⁺, BCL6⁺, BCL2⁺, and Ki-67 index greater than 95%. Afterward, the patient promptly started treatment with rituximab-cyclophosphamide-hydroxydaunorubicin-Oncovin-prednisone (R-CHOP) chemotherapy. A good medical history, clinical and imaging evaluations, and anatomopathological studies are crucial to establish an early diagnosis of diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL).

Delayed diagnosis of oral lymphoma: a case series

Lymphomas are the second most common neoplasm in the head and neck. The clinical and radiographic presentation of non-Hodgkin lymphoma in the oral cavity is non-specific and can be hard to differentiate from other common infectious or inflammatory conditions. We report four cases of lymphoma of the head and neck, which presented as odontogenic infection, osteomyelitis, or cutaneous infection, and subsequently led to a delay in provision of appropriate treatment. Correlation between clinical, radiographic and histological findings is essential in reaching an accurate diagnosis. It is important for clinicians to consider malignant lesions, such as lymphoma, in the differential diagnosis of pain, swelling, tooth mobility or radiographic radiolucencies. Clinicians should maintain a high level of suspicion for malignancy when inflammatory lesions fail to respond to normal modes of treatment.

A rare case of high-grade non-Hodgkin's lymphoma with oral and multiple extranodal manifestations

Lymphomas are a group of malignant diseases affecting the lymphoreticular system. Lymphoma is the second most common neoplasm of the head and neck after squamous cell carcinoma, but the incidence of lymphomas in the oral cavity and orbit is rare. Non-Hodgkin's lymphoma (NHL) is less predictable than Hodgkin's but has a greater predilection to extranodal tissues. Non-Hodgkin's incidence in extranodal sites accounts for about 20% to 30%, but in the oral cavity, its around 0.1% to 5%. The rarity of incidence in the oral cavity and atypical radiographic features diagnosing a lymphoma is quite a challenge for clinicians. Here we describe a case of 31-year-old male patient with high-grade non-Hodgkin's lymphoma involving oral cavity with metastasis to orbit, skeletal structures, testes, liver, pancreas and nasopharynx, which is quite rare.

Oral involvement of cutaneous T-cell lymphoma: A rare entity

Mycosis fungoides (MF) is a rare cutaneous T-cell lymphoma (CTCL) with significant morbidity and mortality rates. Involvement of MF in the oral cavity is uncommon, often follows cutaneous involvement, and is usually associated with a poor prognosis. Herein, we describe a case of a 72-year-old White male with biopsy-proven oral T-cell lymphoma (TCL) in the setting of MF with systemic disease progression. Mycosis fungoides with oral involvement can often prove challenging to diagnose and manage. Thorough medical history intake and clinical examination supported by histopathologic and immunohistochemical analysis are imperative because delay in the diagnosis can lead to disease progression.

Oral and para-oral lymphomas: a 10-year multi-center retrospective study in Egypt with time series analysis and forecasting to 2030

BACKGROUND

Little is known about the epidemiology of lymphomas occurring in oral and para-oral sites, especially in developing countries such as Egypt. Hence, the aim of this study was to describe the frequency and time trends of oral and para-oral lymphomas in Cairo governorate from 2010 to 2019, with forecasting to 2030, and to examine relations between age, gender, site and type of lymphoma.

METHODS

Histopathological reports of patients diagnosed with oral and para-oral lymphomas from 2010 to 2019 were retrospectively retrieved from archives of six different centers in Cairo governorate. Data regarding age, gender and site was collected and associations between types of lymphoma and these variables were detected using appropriate statistical methods. The significance level was set at p ≤ 0.05. Time series analysis was used to determine the trend of lymphoma frequency within 10 years of the study and to predict frequency until 2030.

RESULTS

Lymphomas constituted 2.86% of oral and para-oral lesions. Non-Hodgkin lymphoma was more common than Hodgkin lymphoma. Patients with non-Hodgkin lymphoma showed a higher median age than patients with Hodgkin lymphoma (p = 0.001). Non-Hodgkin lymphoma was more prone to occur intra-orally (p = 0.014). No statistical significance was observed in gender distribution between Hodgkin and non-Hodgkin lymphoma. Even though no specific time trend was observed from 2010 to 2019, forecasting for frequency of lymphomas through 10 years (2020 to 2030) showed a predicted increase.

CONCLUSIONS

The findings of this study were consistent with majority of other studies held in various geographic regions. The study revealed that frequency of oral and para-oral lymphomas in Cairo governorate is expected to rise; hence, oral pathologists should be more clinically suspicious and expect to encounter these lesions more in their practice within the upcoming years.

Orofacial intramuscular lymphoma: first presentation

The term lymphoma includes a wide variety of different clinical entities including diffuse large B-cell lymphomas (DLBCL). Skeletal muscle or intramuscular lymphomas represent less than 2% of B-cell Lymphoma, they are quite rare, even more in the orofacial area. We present the case of a painless growing mass of the right cheek mimicking a chronic oral cellulitis in a 34-year-old man. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the mandible revealed a well-defined 7x3cm mass around the core of the mandible that invades the buccal floor and the subcutaneous planes. A whole-body 18F-FDG PET/CT for the initial diagnosis revealed an intensely isolated hypermetabolic band corresponding to a voluminous tumoral permeation. The diagnosis of a skeletal muscle diffuse large B-cell lymphoma was established after an intraoral biopsy. It was treated with 4 chemotherapy cures and showed complete remission at one year of follow-up. This atypical form of lymphoma should be integrated into the differential diagnosis of soft tissue tumors in the oral cavity.

Primary non-Hodgkin lymphoma of the parotid gland: a case report

Most malignant lymphomas of the head and neck region are non-Hodgkin lymphomas (NHL), and diffuse large B-cell lymphoma is the most common subtype. The prevalence of malignant lymphoma among parotid tumors is low, approximately 1% to 4%. The most common symptom of parotid lymphoma is a unilateral, non-tender, firm mass that slowly grows in size over time. As its clinical manifestations are non-specific, a comprehensive assessment is required for an accurate diagnosis. The initial work-up includes imaging tools, such as computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging. However, NHL of the parotid gland is difficult to distinguish from other types of benign tumors prior to biopsy; histopathological evaluation and subsequent immunohistochemical staining are needed for the final diagnosis. Once a definitive diagnosis is established, patients should be referred to an oncologist for staging. Treatment is mainly based on systemic chemotherapy, whereas radiotherapy is indicated for certain cases. Here, we report the case of a 53-year-old man who presented with a progressively enlarging mass in the right parotid area, which was later diagnosed as malignant lymphoma of the parotid gland after superficial parotidectomy.

Extranodal MALT Lymphoma in the Oral Cavity: A Series of Three Cases with Review of Literature

BACKGROUND

Diagnosis of MALT lymphoma in the oral cavity is challenging. There is a great overlap in the histopathologic, immuno-histochemical and molecular features of MALT lymphoma with reactive lymphoid proliferations. The literature shows a very few case reports of primary MALT lymphoma of oral cavity.

METHODS

We discuss the histopathologic, immuno-histochemical, cytogenetic features, treatment and behavior of 3 cases of primary MALT lymphoma oral cavity along with review of literature.

RESULTS

The age ranged from 40 to 57 years (male to female ratio = 2:1). The sites involved were hard palate, bilateral gingivobuccal sulcus and right buccal mucosa. The most common histology was centrocyte-like (2 cases). Lymphoepithelial lesions were absent. On immunohistochemistry, all tumors showed diffuse strong CD20 and bcl2 expression with strong and diffuse MNDA staining in one case. IgH; MALT1 translocation was not seen in any of these cases. One patient received local radiotherapy, one received steroids; while the case 3 received RCHOP (Rituximab, cyclophosphamide, hydroxydaunorubicin hydrochloride, vincristine and prednisone) chemotherapy. Two patients had complete remission while one had recurrence.

CONCLUSION

MALT lymphoma of oral cavity shows a wide spectrum of morphology with presence of transformed cells, that may lead to misdiagnosis of DLBL. Treatment guidelines are not well established but a tendency to excise MALT lymphomas of oral cavity has been observed. Nevertheless, MALT lymphoma of oral cavity appears to be an indolent disease.

Oral Malignant Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma: A Retrospective Single-Center Study

This study aimed to retrospectively evaluate the incidence of oral non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL) in patients referred to the Academic Hospital of the Magna Graecia University of Catanzaro from 2002 to 2020. A retrospective single-center study was performed. Patients with a histologically confirmed diagnosis of oral NHL were included. Demographic data and clinical parameters were digitally recorded, focusing on the NHL-specific localization and symptomatology. The study sample was evaluated by analyzing descriptive statistics with absolute and relative frequencies. A total of 26 patients with intraoral NHL were identified with a progressive increase in NHL occurrence during the observation period. Clinical manifestations included swelling/mass (80.7%), eventually associated with pain and ulcerations. The most common localizations were in soft tissues: buccal mucosa (38.4%), tongue (19.2%), gingiva (11.5%), cheek (11.5%). Oral NHL is rare. Clinical manifestations were unspecific, so a misdiagnosis could occur. The extranodal B-cell form of oral NHL, particularly diffuse large B-cell lymphoma, was the most common frequent oral NHL in this southern Italian population, with a progressively increased occurrence in almost 20 years.

Oral manifestations of extranodal lymphomas - a review of the literature with emphasis on clinical implications for the practicing dentist

OBJECTIVE

Lymphoma is a heterogenous group of malignant tumours with proliferation of lymphoid cells or their precursors. Lymphomas in the head and neck region are usually found in Waldeyer's ring. Intraoral lymphomas are rare and the clinical presentation and roentgenological appearance may resemble other and benign conditions, entailing a risk for diagnostic delay. The objective of the present literature review was to identify subjective symptoms, clinical presentations and roentgenological appearances which should raise suspicion of lymphoma.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The literature review identified 41 case series with head and neck lymphomas (n = 3880) and 384 case reports (n = 567 cases) of intraoral lymphomas. Information of demographics, clinical presentation, subjective symptoms and roentgenological appearance was registered.

RESULTS

The most common clinical presentation was a broad-based swelling or bulging mass with or without simultaneous ulceration, frequently with a relatively rapid growth pattern. Subjective symptoms varied considerably. Intraosseous lymphomas were frequently associated with paresthaesia or numbness. The most common roentgenological finding was a radiolucency with diffuse demarcation.

CONCLUSIONS

The clinical presentation, symptomatology and roentgenological appearance of intraoral lymphomas varied. Diagnostic delay was usually associated with a lymphoma initially misdiagnosed as a lesion of dental aetiology or a reactive lesion. Inadequate healing after tooth extraction or symptoms of numbness or pain without obvious dental origin should merit further clinical and roentgenological examination. Biopsy is indicated when there is the slightest doubt of the true nature of mucosal lesion.

Clinical manifestations of diffuse large B-cell lymphoma that exhibits initial symptoms in the maxilla and mandible: a single-center retrospective study

BACKGROUND

Diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) is the most common type of lymphatic tumor; however, extranodal DLBCLs that exhibit initial symptoms in the maxilla and mandible are rare. Moreover, DLBCL is clinically classified as a moderate to highly malignant lymphatic tumor that can progress rapidly; therefore, early diagnosis is crucial. However, diagnosis is difficult as the disease causes a diverse range of clinical symptoms with no characteristic imaging findings. We conducted a clinical investigation to clarify the clinical characteristics of DLBCL that exhibits initial manifestation in the maxilla and mandible.

METHODS

Of the 2748 patients with malignant tumors of the oral and maxillofacial region examined at our hospital during a period of 11 years between January 2006 and December 2016, 27 primary cases diagnosed with DLBCL based on the chief complaint of symptoms in the gingiva and bone of the maxilla and mandible were enrolled in this study. Evaluations were based on sex, age, whether treatment was provided by a previous physician, symptoms, duration of disease until treatment was sought, clinical diagnosis, laboratory findings, and imaging results.

RESULTS

There were 15 cases that involved the maxilla and 12 that involved the mandible. The median duration of disease until treatment was sought was 60 d (3-450 d). All cases exhibited a tumor or a mass, and hypoesthesia of the chin was confirmed in eight cases wherein the mandible was involved. The clinical stages were stage I in eight cases, stage II in ten cases, and stage IV in nine cases. Serum lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) levels were elevated in 13 of 22 patients. The overall survival rate was 63%.

CONCLUSIONS

Symptoms associated with nontender swelling and numbness of the lip or chin in the absence of other findings such as dental infections should raise suspicions about DLBCL. Patients should be provided appropriate imaging and accurate biopsy assessments to improve prognosis.

Blastoid Mantle Cell Lymphoma of the Palate: Report of a Rare Aggressive Entity and Review of the Literature

Mantle cell lymphoma (MCL) is a well-defined, non-Hodgkin lymphoma of B-cell origin displaying diverse morphological phenotypes and variable disease course. The World Health Organization recognizes two aggressive histopathologic variants of this type of lymphoma: pleomorphic and blastoid MCL. To date, only few cases of MCL affecting the oral cavity have been reported. Additionally, the involvement of the oral and maxillofacial area by aggressive MCL subsets is considered extremely rare with only two patients reported in the English language literature to the best of our knowledge. Herein, we describe a 69 year-old male with a prior history of MCL of the right lateral pharyngeal wall developing a recurrent lesion extending to the palatal mucosa as diffuse ulceration and exhibiting histomorphological features of blastoid MCL. We also review the pertinent literature with emphasis on the diagnostic challenges and distinction between the different MCL variants.

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.

Spontaneous regression of malignant lymphoma of the maxillary gingiva following biopsy

A case of spontaneous regression of malignant lymphoma of the maxillary gingiva following a biopsy is reported. An 84-year-old man was referred to the hospital with chief complaints of swelling of the anterior maxillary gingiva. A non-tender swelling with an ulcer was observed. There was no abnormal bone resorption in the anterior maxillary region and no swelling of the cervical lymph nodes. A biopsy was performed, and the patient was diagnosed with diffuse large B-cell lymphoma. The lesion regressed spontaneously 3 weeks after the initial biopsy. Two years have passed since the spontaneous regression and no recurrence has been observed. If malignant lymphoma regresses on biopsy, observation is considered to be sufficient.

Oral cancer histopathological subtypes in association with risk factors: a 5-year retrospective study

Background: Oral cancer is a worldwide public health problem, being the sixth most common neoplasm. The high mortality rate of this type of cancer is due to a delayed diagnosis, a fast evolution and metastasis, no primary symptomatology, the multitude of risk factors and the lack of awareness among the population concerning oral malignancy. Aim: The aim of this 5-year retrospective study was to evaluate the incidence of oral cancer patients in the Clinic of Maxillo-Facial Surgery, Emergency County Hospital, Timişoara, Romania and quantify the histopathological (HP) subtypes, localization, age, gender, tumor staging and differentiation, positive loco-regional lymph nodes and risk factors. Patients, Materials and Methods: A number of 129 patients diagnosed with oral cancer were included in the study and their medical records were analyzed. A statistical analysis was performed that included the variables gender, age, tumor staging, differentiation grade, HP subtype, lymph nodes, localization, and risk factors. Results: Our results outlined a high prevalence of oral cancer among males (65.9%), squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) being the most common HP subtype. Tumor staging revealed the fact that the majority of were T3 and T4 tumors with dissemination in the loco-regional lymph nodes. In 52% of the cases, tobacco was identified as a risk factor, and the association of tobacco and alcohol was present in 28.3% of the cases. Conclusions: The early diagnosis is crucial for the improvement of oral cancer survival rate. The oral cavity is permanently exposed to carcinogenic substances that associated with other risk factors have an influence upon the incidence of oral malignancies.

A CT-based radiomics nomogram for differentiation of lympho-associated benign and malignant lesions of the parotid gland

OBJECTIVES

Preoperative differentiation between benign lymphoepithelial lesion (BLEL) and mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue lymphoma (MALToma) in the parotid gland is important for treatment decisions. The purpose of this study was to develop and validate a CT-based radiomics nomogram combining radiomics signature and clinical factors for the preoperative differentiation of BLEL from MALToma in the parotid gland.

METHODS

A total of 101 patients with BLEL (n = 46) or MALToma (n = 55) were divided into a training set (n = 70) and validation set (n = 31). Radiomics features were extracted from non-contrast CT images, a radiomics signature was constructed, and a radiomics score (Rad-score) was calculated. Demographics and CT findings were assessed to build a clinical factor model. A radiomics nomogram combining the Rad-score and independent clinical factors was constructed using multivariate logistic regression analysis. The performance levels of the nomogram, radiomics signature, and clinical model were evaluated and validated on the training and validation datasets, and then compared among the three models.

RESULTS

Seven features were used to build the radiomics signature. The radiomics nomogram incorporating the clinical factors and radiomics signature showed favorable predictive value for differentiating parotid BLEL from MALToma, with AUCs of 0.983 and 0.950 for the training set and validation set, respectively. Decision curve analysis showed that the nomogram outperformed the clinical factor model in terms of clinical usefulness.

CONCLUSIONS

The CT-based radiomics nomogram incorporating the Rad-score and clinical factors showed favorable predictive efficacy for differentiating BLEL from MALToma in the parotid gland, and may help in the clinical decision-making process.

KEY POINTS

• Differential diagnosis between BLEL and MALToma in parotid gland is rather difficult by conventional imaging modalities. • A radiomics nomogram integrated with the radiomics signature, demographics, and CT findings facilitates differentiation of BLEL from MALToma with improved diagnostic efficacy.

Lymphoma of the Uvula: Clinical, Morphological, Histopathological, and Genetic Characterization. A Nationwide Danish Study From 1980 to 2019

Background: In the head and neck region the uvula is a rare site for extranodal lymphomas to develop. In this national study, we present six cases and provide an overview of the current literature, characterizing the clinical and histopathological features of lymphomas involving this location.

Materials and Methods: Clinical information was obtained retrospectively from patient records in a nationwide Danish study covering from 1980 through 2019. In order to validate the diagnoses, uvular tissue specimens were examined histologically and immunohistochemically and if relevant for subtyping, cytogenetic rearrangements were investigated.

Results: We present six cases of lymphomas involving the uvula, of which four of the cases were diagnosed with a B-cell lymphoma (two diffuse large B-cell lymphomas, one extranodal marginal zone B-cell lymphoma and one Mantle cell lymphoma), while two were diagnosed with a T-cell lymphoma (one peripheral T-cell lymphoma and one natural killer/T-cell lymphoma). Presenting symptoms included swelling, pain and ulceration of the uvula. Treatment was comprised of radiotherapy and/or chemotherapy, with T-cell lymphomas showing a poorer outcome than B-cell lymphomas.

Conclusion: Lymphoma of the uvula is rare, with few case reports being reported in the literature. The most frequent histological subtypes reported are extranodal marginal zone B-cell lymphoma and peripheral T-cell lymphoma. When encountering a swollen, painful and/or ulcerated uvula, the clinician should always consider malignancy as a possible cause. Lymphoma of the uvula is a possible diagnosis and if this is the case, there is a high risk of disseminated disease at the time of diagnosis.

Maxillofacial lymphomas

Lymphomas affecting the bones of the jaws, although less frequent than carcinomas, can both present radiologically as carcinomas in addition to the more frequent "periapical-radiolucencies-of-inflammatory-origin" (PRIOs). Certainly those lymphomas arising within the maxillary alveolus have a short period of prior awareness before presentation, denoting an aggressive process. Half are provisionally diagnosed as carcinomas and the other half as PRIOs. Failure of the latter to respond to appropriate treatment, compels prompt and appropriate investigation for a malignancy. Further distinction of the malignancy into carcinoma and lymphoma is necessary, because the treatment of carcinomas is radical, achieved mainly by resection plus radiotherapy, whereas treatment of lymphomas relies on chemotherapy and in some cases, radiotherapy. The few reported cases that have been subject to cross-sectional imaging and reporting by radiologists has only appeared relatively recently. These cases reveal roles for cone-beam computer tomography, computed tomography and magnetic resonance (MR). Ultimately the diagnosis is dependant on a biopsy from the most representative area/s and the treatment plan upon the diagnosis and extent of the disease defined by the imaging.

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.

Unusual cause of tooth mobility

We describe a case of a 71-year-old otherwise healthy man who presented to the dental clinic with the chief complaint of mobility involving his upper left molar teeth. The patient was a febrile, and clinical oral examination revealed localised grade II mobility and absence of gingival swelling, erythema or sinus tract. Orthopantogram revealed a poorly defined radiolucency involving the upper left second and third molar teeth. Surgical exploration of the involved area was performed and revealed the presence of a 'jelly like' brown tissue that fragments easily. Pathological examination confirmed the diagnosis of diffuse large B cell lymphoma.

Primary diffuse large B-cell lymphoma of the mandible: A case report

INTRODUCTION

Lymphomas are a heterogeneous group of malignant neoplasms of lymphocytes and their precursor cells. Lymphoma is seen 3.5% of all intraoral malignancies and is the second most common neoplasm after the squamous cell carcinoma in the head and neck region. Diffuse large B-cell lymphomas (DLBCL), which is a subtype of non-Hodgkin lymphoma, are seen mostly in the paraoral region.

CASE PRESENTATION

An 82-year-old woman was referred with a localised swelling of the mandibular buccal mucosa for 3 months. Excisional biopsy revealed the diagnosis of DLBCL in the mandible and chemotherapy regimen started immediately. However, patient died during treatment.

CONCLUSIONS

Non-Hodgkin's lymphomas would be late- or misdiagnosed in the perioral region that may result poor prognosis.

Diagnostic challenge of T-cell MALT lymphoma in oral cavity

Mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue lymphoma (MALT) is a neoplasm of B cells from the extranodal marginal zone and a non-Hodgkin lymphoma subtype. We report a case of MALT lymphoma in the hard palate in a 74-year-old woman with the previous diagnosis of lymphoid hyperplasia. The intetion about this letter is to show the appropriate clinical conduct and the diagnostic challenge about this pathlogy in oral cavity, stressing the importance to incisional biopsy and immunohistochemical analysis to guide the right diagnostic of this rare lesion.

A case of systemic precursor T-cell lymphoblastic lymphoma presenting with single tooth mobility

Lymphoblastic lymphoma, seen primarily in children or young adults, is a type of non-Hodgkin lymphoma that originates from B or T lymphocyte precursors and rarely occurs in the oral cavity. A case of systemic precursor T-cell lymphoblastic lymphoma mimicking periodontitis of a lower second molar in a 20-year-old adult is currently presented. The case was initially misdiagnosed as periodontal disease and treated with tooth extraction by a dentist. Re-evaluation of the patient due to worsening of symptoms lead to cone beam computed tomography scanning that thoroughly revealed an extended osteolytic lesion of the right mandible. Afterward, a biopsy was performed, thus reaching the diagnosis of precursor T-cell lymphoblastic lymphoma. This report discusses differences in epidemiology of T-cell and B-cell lymphoblastic lymphomas, as well as their various intraoral manifestations that are mimicking a large family of oral pathology. It also focuses on conventional imaging findings that imply malignancy, which are often neglected during routine radiology interpretation.

Clinical manifestations of oral lymphomas - Retrospective study of 15 cases in a Taiwanese population and a review of 592 cases from the literature

BACKGROUND/PURPOSE

Due to the rarity of oral lymphoma (OL), we aimed to evaluate the clinical features of OL and discuss these findings in light of the literature.

METHODS

English language literature (1980-2019) related to OL was searched in two electronic databases. Patients (2000-2019) diagnosed with OL were also selected from the database of the Oral Pathology Department in our institution. The clinical features, radiographic appearance, and histopathological diagnosis in these selected cases from publications and our institution were then analyzed.

RESULTS

607 cases of OL (15 in our institution and 592 from literature) in patients aged between 0 and 92 years (average, 51.8 years) with a male to female ratio of 1.6:1 were included. The most common diagnosis was diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (n = 205), followed by Burkitt lymphoma (n = 72) and T-cell lymphoma (n = 37). The most frequent site was the gingiva, followed by palate, maxilla, mandible, tongue and buccal mucosa. The most frequent symptoms were swelling, ulceration, paresthesia, mobile tooth and pain. Radiographic findings included ill-defined osteolytic lesion, thickening of the periodontal ligament, loss of lamina dura and tooth displacement.

CONCLUSION

Despite the rarity of extranodal lymphomas in oral cavity, their occurrence may be part of disseminated disease. Detailed history-taking, clinical and imaging examination and awareness of the patient's signs and symptoms are important for early diagnosis and an improved prognosis. The current data form a useful basis for clinical investigation and teaching regarding lymphoma occurring in the oral cavity.

Normal FDG uptake in the adenoids and palatine tonsils in children on PET/MRI

BACKGROUND

Information about the normal [F-18]2-fluoro-2-deoxyglucose (FDG) uptake in the adenoids and palatine tonsils in children is not available.

OBJECTIVE

The purpose of this study was to report the range of standardized uptake values (SUVs) in the normal adenoids and palatine tonsils in children, assess for the degree of asymmetry between the right and left tonsils and evaluate for the correlation of SUVs between the adenoids and tonsils.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Pediatric patients who had had an FDG positron emission tomography (PET)/magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) brain study in our institution from January 2018 to March 2019 were identified. Patients with a history of malignancy, adenoidectomy and/or tonsillectomy, incomplete imaging coverage of Waldeyer ring and the presence of artifact on PET/MRI were excluded. Two pediatric radiologists independently measured the mean and maximum SUVs of the right tonsil, left tonsil and the adenoids. Range, mean and standard deviation were calculated for all measurements. Ratios of SUV of the left to right tonsils and the adenoids to the tonsils were calculated. The paired t-test and Pearson's correlation test were used for statistical analysis with a P-value <0.05 considered to be significant.

RESULTS

Sixty-one PET/MRI brain scans were performed in our institution during the study period. After reviewing for exclusion criteria, 41 patients were included in the study (mean age: 10.1 years, range: 2-17 years; 19 boys and 22 girls). The mean SUV was 5.30±1.57 in the right tonsil, 5.25±1.53 in the left tonsil and 4.56±1.90 in the adenoids. The maximum SUV was 8.47±2.22 in the right tonsil, 8.45±2.18 in the left tonsil and 7.59±2.94 in the adenoids. The difference between the SUVs of the right and left tonsil was not statistically significant (P=0.69 for mean SUV and P=0.90 for maximum SUV). There was a statistically significant moderately positive correlation between the FDG uptake in the adenoids and the right and left tonsil for both mean and maximum SUV (r=0.36-0.41; P=0.008-0.022).

CONCLUSION

There is a wide variation of FDG uptake in the normal tonsils and adenoids in children. Uptake in the right and left tonsils is not significantly different. There is a moderately positive correlation between the FDG uptake in the adenoids and the tonsils.

Gingival Mucosa-Associated Lymphoid Tissue (MALT) lymphoma developed around a mandibular extraosseous dental root canal overfilling: A case report

Lymphomas are rare pathologies in the oral cavity, representing only 3.5% of malignant tumors. Their typical topography is Waldeyer's lymphatic ring and approximately 8% of all non-Hodgkin lymphomas are mucosa associated lymphoid tissue (MALT) lymphomas. The authors report a rare case of mandibular gingival MALT lymphoma, which developed around an extraosseous dental root canal overfill. This atypical, case of lymphoma indicates that practitioners have to be vigilant and perform a biopsy every time they are confronted with a suspicious chronic lesion in the oral cavity.

Natural course of diffuse large B cell lymphoma-a manifestation in buccal mucosa

BACKGROUND

Transformation and progression of lymphoma after treatment is well known; however, since the advent of chemotherapy and radiotherapy, progression in untreated lymphoma is seldom seen. We present a case which was misdiagnosed and treated as abdominal tuberculosis later presented with progression and involvement of oral cavity.

CASE PRESENTATION

A 41-year-old male who presented with urinary symptoms and abdominal pain was diagnosed as abdominal tuberculosis and treated. Two years later, he presented with B symptoms and oral cavity lesion that was diagnosed as diffuse large B cell lymphoma. The patient was treated with R-CHOP chemotherapy with complete regression of the lesion.

CONCLUSION

Involvement of extranodal sites in predominantly nodal disease does occur; however, involvement of oral cavity is rare. Though primary extranodal lymphoma is reported to occur in oral cavity and oropharynx, natural progression in untreated disease is seldom documented.

Intraoral EBV-positive sporadic Burkitt lymphoma in an elderly patient with bilateral presentation

Sporadic Burkitt lymphoma (SBL) is a variant of Burkitt lymphoma that occurs worldwide, affecting mainly children and young adults. Association with Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) can be identified in approximately 20-30% of cases. Herein we described a case of a 63-year-old male presenting intraoral bilateral mandibular swelling, subjacent to fixed dental prosthesis, with one month of duration. Incisional biopsies were performed, and after two days, the patient was hospitalized due to malaise and breathing difficulty, and died after a week when an abdominal tumor was detected. The mandibular biopsies revealed a diffuse proliferation of medium-sized monomorphic atypical lymphoid cells exhibiting numerous mitoses and areas of "starry-sky" pattern. The tumor showed immunohistochemical positivity for CD20, CD10, Bcl-6, and Ki-67 (≈ 100%); it was negative for CD3, Bcl-2, Vs38c, and MUM-1. Positivity for EBV was found by in situ hybridization. The final diagnosis was intraoral SBL positive for EBV. Clinical, morphological and molecular criteria are necessary for the correct diagnosis of aggressive B-cell neoplasms positive for EBV in elderly patients.

Lymphoma in an extraction socket

Non-Hodgkin's lymphoma (NHL) is a lymphoproliferative malignancy that can involve both lymph node and lymphoid organs as well as extranodal organs and tissues. The aim of presenting this case of NHL is to highlight the suspicion of its occurrence in the region of unhealed extraction sockets and the significance of its awareness. NHL can be presented in various forms; therefore, a thorough knowledge regarding this malignancy is essential for arriving at the earliest possible diagnosis and therapy for the patient.

Extranodal diffuse large B cell lymphoma of maxillary sinus presenting as a palatal ulcer

A multitude of disease processes ranging from periodontitis to malignancies can lead to formation of solitary ulcer on the palate. Hence solitary ulcers of palate can often be a challenging one to diagnose. We report an interesting case of a diffuse large B cell lymphoma of the maxillary sinus which perforated the palatal bone and presented clinically as a palatal ulcer. Initially the lesion manifested as a small ill-defined swelling in the posterior palatal slope in relation to 24and25 which were mobile and hence was erroneously diagnosed as chronic periodontal abscess. This paper is intended to stress the relevance of including non-Hodgkin's lymphoma in the differential diagnosis of solitary palatal ulcers as it may be often misdiagnosed as more common reactive or inflammatory lesions.

Erythematous and Vascular Oral Mucosal Lesions: A Clinicopathologic Review of Red Entities

Erythematous lesions of the oral mucosa are common and can reflect a variety of conditions, ranging from benign reactive or immunologically-mediated disorders to malignant disease. Together with vascular abnormalities, which can vary from reddish to bluish-purple in color, the differential diagnosis for erythematous oral mucosal change is quite diverse. This review focuses on salient clinical features and histopathologic findings of selected conditions which clinically present as red or vascular-like oral mucosal alterations, including oral vascular malformations and neoplasms, pyogenic granuloma, localized juvenile spongiotic gingival hyperplasia, denture stomatitis, benign migratory glossitis (geographic tongue), orofacial granulomatosis, granulomatosis with polyangiitis (Wegener granulomatosis), megaloblastic anemia, and erythroplakia. Recognition of the characteristic clinical features of these conditions, in conjunction with thorough patient history, will allow clinicians to narrow the differential diagnosis and guide appropriate clinical decision making, including the need for tissue biopsy, in order to complete the diagnostic process and initiate optimal patient care.

Lumps and Bumps of the Gingiva: A Pathological Miscellany

Lesions of the gingivae are amongst the commonest lesions seen in patients and the vast majority are reactive hyperplasias, related to a number of chronic irritant stimuli. However, there are a number of entities that have a predilection for the gingivae, which are much less common in other parts of the oral cavity. The purpose of this paper is to discuss the clinical and histological differential diagnoses when presented with a lump on the gingivae, including the approach to diagnosis and diagnostic pitfalls.

Extranodal lymphoma arising within the maxillary alveolus: a systematic review

Objectives

Extranodal lymphomas affecting the head and neck infrequently arise within the jaw bones. Although clinical examination and conventional radiography may initially suffice for such lesions arising within the mandible, those arising within the maxillary alveolus generally require cross-sectional imaging because of the complex anatomy of this region. This study was performed to determine the prevalence, demographic characteristics, and clinical presentations of these lesions and the imaging modalities used for their diagnosis.

Study design

A systematic review (SR) on case series and another SR on case reports were performed to investigate the demographic, clinical, and radiological features of extranodal lymphomas arising within the maxillary alveolus.

Results

Most case series were derived from just four nations, whereas the case reports were derived from a wider range of ethnicities. The more detailed case reports significantly reported at least one imaging modality. Most patients were aware of their lesions for nearly 2 months before presentation. The most frequent symptom was swelling. Most case reports included a provisional diagnosis, the most frequent of which was dental infection followed by squamous cell carcinoma.

Discussion

Extranodal lymphomas arising within the maxillary alveolus were sufficiently frequent in four communities to be reported in two or more case series, and the occasional single case report indicated that such lesions are more widespread globally. Although the SR on case series revealed differences in the relative period prevalence and maxillary/mandibular ratio, the SR on case reports revealed details of the clinical presentation and imaging modalities used.

T-Cell/Histiocyte-Rich Large B-Cell Lymphoma: Report of the First Case in the Mandible

T-cell/histiocyte-rich large B-cell lymphoma (THRBCL) is an uncommon subtype of non-Hodgkin's lymphoma. It is a predominant nodal neoplasm; however, extranodal sites, such as the spleen, liver and bone marrow, can be involved at diagnosis. However, only one case of primary THRLBCL in the jaws have been reported. We herein describe a 29-year-old female patient who presented with a swelling of the right mandible that had grown rapidly over the previous 2 months. Periapical and panoramic radiographs showed a multilocular osteolytic lesion located in the mandibular periapical region of the canine and premolar teeth and molar region. Preoperative examination and incisional biopsy were performed. Immunohistochemistry was applied to confirm the diagnosis of THRBCL in the jaw. The treatment consisted of CHOP therapy and radiotherapy. After complete tumor remission following initial treatment, additional sites of the disease appeared in the lung, abdomen and long bones. The patient died within 2 months. THRLBCL is an uncommon and aggressive malignant neoplasm that can involve the jaws, mimicking a periapical disease.

Palatal schwannoma in a young female patient: report of a case and review of the literature

BACKGROUND

A few cases of oral schwannomas in paediatric patients have appeared in the literature so far; however, there are no studies focusing solely on paediatric oral schwannomas. The aim of this study is to report a case of palatal schwannoma in a young female patient and review the pertinent literature on oral schwannomas in paediatric patients.

CASE REPORT

A 12-year-old girl presented with a growing swelling of 2 weeks duration on the hard palate. With a provisional diagnosis of a salivary gland neoplasm an incisional biopsy was performed under local anesthesia and the histologic examination disclosed an Antony A type schwannoma.

TREATMENT

Complete surgical resection of the lesion was performed under local anaesthesia through a palatal mucosa incision and paraffin gauze was sutured on the surgical area for protection during secondary healing. The bone underlying the tumor was normal. The postoperative period was uneventful and 2 weeks after excision the gauze were removed.

FOLLOW-UP

There have been no signs of recurrence during a 18-month follow up period.

CONCLUSION

A palatal swelling in a child or adolescent may represent a neoplasm, such as a schwannoma and requires careful clinical and radiographic evaluation of the dentition.

T-cell lymphoma of oral cavity: A rare entity

Lymphomas are heterogeneous malignancies of the lymphatic system characterized by lymphoid cell proliferation. They can broadly be divided into Hodgkin's lymphoma (HL) and non-HL (NHL). NHL can originate from B, T or natural killer lymphocytes. Extranodal presentation of T-cell NHL is extremely rare and is often seen in immunocompromised individuals. Here, we report a rare case of T-cell lymphoma of the oral cavity in a 13-year-old patient. The patient was diagnosed to have T-cell lymphoma on the basis of biopsy and immunohistochemistry and was referred to the oral surgery department for definite treatment.