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

Abstract

Introduction. Lymphomas are a group of neoplasms of the lymphatic and reticuloendothelial system. The two main types are Hodgkin lymphoma and non-Hodgkin lymphoma, depending on the immunohistological characteristics of malignant lymphocytes. B-cell lymphomas are more frequent than T-cell lymphomas. In this case report we present a male patient with diffuse large B-cell lymphoma localized in the maxilla. Case Report. A 59-year-old man presented with a painless swelling in the right posterior region of the maxilla. A solid tumor was found in the right posterior maxillary region by intraoral examination, firstly suspected as a dental infection. Since the symptoms did not improve a month after the first dental treatment, he was referred for further diagnostic evaluation. The established diagnosis was diffuse large B-cell lymphoma. The patient received standard therapy for diffuse large B-cell lymphoma - rituximab-cyclophosphamide, hydroxydaunomycin, oncovin, prednisolone, six cycles and regression of the oral lesion was noticed. Conclusion. Lymphoma of the oral cavity usually presents as a swelling and may mimic odontogenic infection. Dentists should be aware of this possibility especially if the swelling is painless and if the initial treatment has failed.