Anaplastic Large Cell Lymphoma with Oral Manifestation: A Series of Four Cases and Literature Review

Traumatic Ulcerative Granuloma with Stromal Eosinophilia: From Reactive Process to Low Grade CD30 + lymphoproliferative Disorder

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

Traumatic ulcerative granuloma with stromal eosinophilia (TUGSE) is a rare, benign ulcerative lesion of the oral mucosa that exists in both adult and infantile (Riga-Fede) forms. This review examines TUGSE by exploring its clinical presentation, pathogenesis, histopathological features, and treatment approaches. It briefly discusses oral CD30+ T-cell lymphoproliferative disorders (TLPDs) and their potential relation with TUGSE lesions.

RECENT FINDINGS

While traditionally considered reactive in nature, some recent evidence suggests TUGSE may share features with CD30+ T-cell lymphoproliferative disorders (TLPDs), potentially representing a spectrum of lesions and thereby complicating diagnosis and treatment approaches. Although some TUGSE cases demonstrate CD30 positivity and monoclonality of the T-cell receptor gamma (TCRγ) chain gene, no cases have progressed to widespread or systemic lymphoma. The rarely reported CD30+ TLPDs of the oral cavity appear to share features with their cutaneous counterparts, demonstrating indolent biologic behavior and excellent prognosis, with complete or partial regression frequently occurring after incisional biopsy. TUGSE presents as a slow-healing ulcer with raised borders and induration, commonly affecting the tongue and potentially mimicking squamous cell carcinoma. While trauma appears to be an important factor, the exact pathogenesis remains unclear. Histopathologically, lesions show ulceration with polymorphous infiltrate rich in eosinophils extending into the submucosa, with characteristic muscle fiber degeneration and variable presence of atypical mononuclear cells. The condition generally follows a self-limiting course with excellent prognosis, responding well to conservative management. Aggressive treatment and extensive follow-up may be unnecessary even for CD30+ cases with monoclonal TCRγ chain genes. Further research is needed to clarify the relationship between oral CD30+ TLPDs and TUGSE.

Intraoral CD30+ T-Cell Lymphoproliferative Disorder with Lymphomatoid Papulosis Type C Features Mimics Lymphoma Histopathologically and Immunohistochemically

BACKGROUND

Previous studies have shown that at least a of intraoral eosinophilic ulcer is best classified as a CD30 + T-cell lymphoproliferative disorder (LPD), with histopathology reminiscent of lymphomatoid papulosis (LyP) of the skin. Microscopically, a mixed population of inflammatory cells, often including eosinophils and varying numbers of atypical lymphoid cells, frequently expressing CD30, is typical for LyP, whose clinicopathological spectrum includes type A, B, C, D, E, and LyP with DUSP22/IRF4 rearrangement. To date, about 27 intraoral LyP cases have been reported. Of them, 7 cases were diagnosed as LyP type C, which is frequently confused with anaplastic large cell lymphoma (ALCL) on histopathology.

METHODS

A 60-year-old male was referred for a one-month history of a tongue ulcer.

RESULTS

Microscopy showed numerous subepithelial atypical large lymphoid cells, which expressed CD4 (with partial loss of CD3, CD5, and CD7), CD8 (few cells), CD30 (about 50%, in non-diffuse pattern with size variability), TIA-1, and Ki-67 (85%), without staining for CD56, ALK, LMP1, and EBER1/2, concerning for a diagnosis of ALCL. However, after three weeks, the lesion completely healed.

CONCLUSION

We present here a rare case of intraoral CD30+ T-cell LPD that we believe is the oral counterpart of cutaneous LyP type C.

Lymphomas Affecting the Sublingual Glands: A Clinicopathological Study

BACKGROUND

Lymphomas affecting the sublingual glands are extremely rare and very few case reports are currently available. Therefore, the aim of the current study is to describe the clinicopathological features of a series of lymphomas involving the sublingual glands.

METHODS

Cases diagnosed in four pathology services were assessed and the formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded tissue blocks were retrieved for diagnosis confirmation. Clinical data were obtained from patients' medical files.

RESULTS

We obtained seven cases of lymphomas in the sublingual glands, representing two follicular lymphomas, two diffuse large B cell lymphomas not otherwise specified (DLBCL NOS), two extranodal marginal zone B cell lymphoma of mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue (MALT lymphomas) and one mantle cell lymphoma (MCL). In all cases the tumor cells infiltrated the glandular parenchyma, although in two of them the neoplastic cells were located more superficially and permeated the glandular acini and ducts. Clinically, the tumors presented as asymptomatic nodules and two patients (affected by DLBCL NOS and MCL) died, while the other five patients remained alive at last follow-up.

CONCLUSION

Lymphomas affecting the sublingual glands are usually of the mature B cell lineage, often represent low-grade subtypes and may clinically resemble other more common lesions in the floor of the mouth like salivary gland tumors.

Follicular lymphoma manifests as multiple erosive and proliferative lesions of the oral mucosa: case report and brief literature review

Background

Erosion is one of the most common and basic lesions of oral mucosal diseases. Long-term refractory oral erosions, induced by autoimmune blistering diseases, infectious diseases, malignant diseases, and some rare conditions, may substantially reduce the quality of life of patients or even constitute a life-threatening condition, resulting in a clinical dilemma regarding the accurate diagnosis and precise management of these diseases. As a special type of malignant lymphoma, most lesions of follicular lymphoma (FL) in the oral mucosa present as masses or swelling of the oral mucosa, while emerging novel presentations lead to intractable diagnoses. Hence, diagnostic algorithms for such diseases are clinically required. 

Case presentation

A 55-year-old female patient presented to the clinic with long-lasting oral mucosal erosions and proliferative lesions. Blood tests, pathological examinations of oral lesions including haematoxylin–eosin (HE) staining, and direct immunofluorescence precluded all of the potential diagnoses described previously. Unexpectedly, positron emission tomography/computed tomography (PET/CT) and abdominal CT of the patient revealed a dense mass in the retroperitoneal area, and the final diagnosis of the retroperitoneal mass was FL. After three courses of chemotherapy conducted by the haematologist, the erosion and proliferative lesions in the patient's oral mucosa had significantly improved. HE and immunohistochemical staining results of intraoral lesions also confirmed it as oral FL. The successful diagnosis of FL in this case is of great clinical significance, as the oral and abdominal FL were treated in a timely manner to avoid unfavourable outcomes.

Conclusions

To the best of our knowledge, this is the first case of FL that exhibited widespread erosions interspersed with proliferative lesions. Clinicians should be aware of oral FL or seek systemic factors in the presence of similar refractory oral erosions when treatment is non-responsive and the diagnosis is intractable.

Mature T/NK-Cell lymphomas of the oral and maxillofacial region: A multi-institutional collaborative study

BACKGROUND

The diagnosis of oral and maxillofacial mature T/NK-cell neoplasms is challenging because of their rarity, morphological heterogeneity and complex immunophenotype with scarce available data describing their clinical and microscopic aspects. Therefore, in this study, we investigated a series of mature T/NK-cell neoplasms affecting this anatomical region and provided an updated literature review.

METHODS

Cases diagnosed as mature T/NK-cell lymphomas affecting the oral and maxillofacial region were retrospectively retrieved from six pathology files and their diagnoses were confirmed using haematoxylin and eosin-stained slides, immunohistochemical reactions and in situ hybridization for Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) detection. Patients' clinical data were collected from their pathology forms.

RESULTS

A total of 22 cases were included in this study. Eleven (50%) consisted of extranodal NK/T-cell lymphomas, nasal type; eight (36.4%) were peripheral T-cell lymphomas, NOS; two (9.1%) were adult T-cell leukaemia/lymphomas, and one (4.5%) was an ALK-positive anaplastic large cell lymphoma. Overall, males predominated, with a mean age of 55.7 years. The palate was the most affected site (50%), and tumours usually presented as destructive and painful ulcers. EBV was present in all cases of extranodal NK/T-cell lymphoma nasal type but was absent in the other subtypes.

CONCLUSION

Among mature T/NK-cell lymphomas of the oral and maxillofacial region, extranodal NK/T-cell lymphoma, nasal type and peripheral T-cell lymphoma, NOS predominated. Older men were the most affected patients, and this heterogeneous group of neoplasms has a very aggressive clinical behaviour.

Self-regressing oral CD30-positive, EBV-negative, T-cell lymphoproliferative lesions. A poorly understood process highlighted by ominous clinicopathologic features and indolent behavior

OBJECTIVE

Intraoral, primary, CD30-positive (CD30⁺) T-cell lymphoproliferative disorders (TLPDs) are uncommon, and their clinicopathologic presentation and management can vary and may be challenging. Herein, we present a retrospective study of 4 examples of self-regressing primary CD30⁺ TLPD affecting the gingiva.

STUDY DESIGN

Archived files were retrospectively reviewed for oral CD30⁺ TLPDs featuring (1) proper immunohistochemical documentation, (2) Epstein-Barr virus negativity, (3) adequate follow-up information corroborating regression, and (4) no history of hematopoietic malignancy or related-mucocutaneous disease.

RESULTS

Three women and 1 man (age range, 55-82 years; mean, 68.3 years) presented with rapidly growing gingival ulcers. Microscopic evaluation revealed diffuse infiltration by sheets of large, atypical cells admixed with lymphocytes and eosinophils, showing angiocentric distribution, focal neurotropism, and muscle infiltration. The lesional cells consistently stained for CD3 and CD30 and were variably immunoreactive against CD2, CD4, CD5, CD7, and CD8, but were negative for ALK1 and EBV-encoded small RNA. TCR-γ gene rearrangement studies revealed a monoclonal T-cell population in 1 case. All lesions showed complete regression 2 to 8 weeks postoperatively (mean follow-up, 4.5 weeks).

CONCLUSIONS

Notwithstanding their alarming clinicopathologic appearance, there are CD30⁺ TLPDs confined to the oral cavity that have an indolent course. However, clinical staging is essential to exclude aggressive systemic malignancy.