Non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma of the oral cavity and maxillofacial region: a pathologist viewpoint

Oral and oropharyngeal mucosal lesions: clinical-epidemiological study of patients attended at a reference center for infectious diseases

OBJECTIVE

To determine the prevalence, epidemiological profile, and clinical characteristics of Oral or Oropharyngeal Mucosal Lesions (OOPML) in patients attended at the Otorhinolaryngology Service of the Evandro Chagas National Institute of Infectious Diseases (INI-FIOCRUZ) from 2005 to 2017.

METHODS

Statistical analysis of descriptive data from medical records (gender, age, education level, skin color, origin, smoking, alcoholism, HIV co-infection, time of disease evolution, first symptom, and OOPML location) was performed.

RESULTS

Of 7551 patients attended at the service, 620 (8.2%) were included in the study. OOPML were classified into developmental anomalies (n = 3), infectious diseases (non-granulomatous n = 220; granulomatous n = 155), autoimmune diseases (n = 24), neoplasms (benign n = 13; malignant, n = 103), and unclassified epithelial/soft tissue diseases (n = 102). OOPML of infectious diseases (60.5%) and neoplasms (18.7%) were the most frequent. The predominant demographics of patients with OOPML were: males (63.5%), white (53.5%), and those in the fifth to sixth decades of life (43.3%). Local pain (18.1%) and odynophagia (15%) were the most reported first symptoms, and the most frequent OOPML sites were the palatine tonsil (28.5%), hard palate (22.7%), and tongue (20.3%). The median evolution time was three months.

CONCLUSIONS

Infectious OOPML were the most frequent, as expected in a reference center for infectious diseases, and thus, they are likely to be less frequent in general care and/or dental services. Underreporting of OOPML is possible, as oral/oropharyngeal examination is often not included in the routine medical examination. Oral cavity/oropharynx examination should be performed by specialists, such as dentists and otorhinolaryngologists, who have the expertise in identifying OOPML, even in incipient/asymptomatic cases. Given the numerous diseases in which OOPML can present, diagnosis could be facilitated by multidisciplinary teams, potentially enabling the early treatment of diseases, and thus, reduce morbidity and improve prognosis. The use of standardized medical records for oral/oropharyngeal systematic examination could provide relevant tools for differential diagnoses and information for new clinical-epidemiological studies.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Level 3.

Primary manifestation of HIV-related Burkitt lymphoma in the oral and maxillofacial regions

BACKGROUND

Burkitt lymphoma (BL) is a subtype of non-Hodgkin lymphoma. It is strongly associated with HIV infection and has a highly aggressive clinical course. The involvement of the maxillofacial region in BL has rarely been reported.

CASE DESCRIPTION

A 36-year-old woman with HIV-positive status had painless bilateral swelling of the oral mucosa and middle and lower thirds of the face. Microscopic analysis of the oral lesion revealed an atypical lymphoid infiltrate with a starry sky pattern. The lymphoid cells expressed cluster of differentiation 20, cluster of differentiation 10, B-cell lymphoma 6, and c-Myc; the Ki-67 proliferative index was high. The tumor cells were positive for Epstein-Barr virus. These results led to the diagnosis of HIV-related BL.

PRACTICAL IMPLICATIONS

BL and other immunodeficiency-related lymphoproliferative malignancies may affect the oral and maxillofacial regions and should be included in the differential diagnosis of rapidly expanding swelling in young patients.

A Rare Case of Low-Grade B-cell Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma of the Lower Lip Mimicking a Mucocele

In a clinical context, oral lymphomas are very uncommon and frequently challenging to identify. Mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue (MALT) lymphomas are a diverse category of lymphomas that were formerly believed to be formed from B-cells located in the marginal zone, which surrounds B-cell follicles and the surrounding lymphoepithelium. Extranodal organs like the stomach, thyroid, and large salivary glands are where they most frequently appear. As a result, they are accurately identified as extranodal marginal zone B-cell lymphomas (ENMZL). This report presents a case of a 53-year-old female with lower lip swelling, which was diagnosed as a case of marginal low-grade B-cell non-Hodgkin's lymphoma after clinical, histopathological, and immunological examinations. Non-Hodgkin's lymphoma diagnosis can be aided by pathological examination and biopsy performed early in the lesion's development. The dentist has a key role to play in the early diagnosis process.

Recent Advances in Nanobiotechnology for the Treatment of Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma

Lymphoma is the eighth most common type of cancer worldwide. Currently, lymphoma is mainly classified into two main groups: Hodgkin's lymphoma (HL) and non-Hodgkin's lymphoma (NHL), with NHL accounting for 80% to 90% of the cases. NHL is primarily divided into B, T, and natural killer (NK) cell lymphoma. Nanotechnology is developing rapidly and has made significant contributions to the field of medicine. This review summarizes the advancements of nanobiotechnology in recent years and its applications in the treatment of NHL, especially in diffuse large B cell lymphoma (DLBCL), primary central nervous system lymphoma (PCNSL), and follicular lymphoma (FL). The technologies discussed include clinical imaging, targeted drug delivery, photodynamic therapy (PDT), and thermodynamic therapy (TDT) for lymphoma. This review aims to provide a better understanding of the use of nanotechnology in the treatment of non-Hodgkin's lymphoma.

Mucosa-Associated Lymphoid Tissue Lymphoma of the Sublingual Salivary Gland: A Case Report

Mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue (MALT) lymphoma is a type of B-cell lineage lymphoma that can affect the head and neck region. This report presents a rare case of an extra-nodal marginal zone B-cell MALT lymphoma of a sublingual gland, diagnosed in an 18-year-old male patient. The patient had a history of ranula surgical removal on the right side of the mouth. One year after surgery, the patient presented with complaints of swelling of the left parotid gland, with no significant changes found during the examination and a self-resolving outcome. Subsequently, two years later, the patient began to complain of a fast-growing cyst under the tongue. A surgical excision of the left sublingual gland and the ranula was performed, and a final diagnosis of MALT lymphoma was rendered. The patient was referred to the department of hematology for further treatment planning and follow-up.

Plasma Cell Gingivitis and Its Mimics

Plasma cell gingivitis (PCG) is an inflammatory condition that affects the gingival mucosa of the oral cavity. It is characterized by polyclonal dense plasma cell infiltrate in the connective tissue. Lesions do not respond to prophylactic treatment. Etiology is most likely hypersensitivity to certain antigens (eg, toothpastes, oral rinses, chewing gums, spices). Differential diagnosis of PCG includes reactive, granulomatous, and neoplastic lesions. The diagnostic workup is based on patient's history and the clinicopathologic correlation to rule out mimics of PCG. Dermatologic patch test may be indicated in chronic conditions to identify the allergen.

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.

Multiple primary malignancies – hepatocellular carcinoma combined with splenic lymphoma: A case report

BACKGROUND

Primary liver cancer is one of the most common malignant tumours, while primary splenic lymphoma is a rare malignancy. Thus, cases of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) combined with splenic lymphoma are extremely rare.

CASE SUMMARY

We present a 62-year-old woman who was admitted to the Interventional Radiology Department with a lump in the spleen and liver as well as multiple enlarged lymph nodes visible by ultrasound. Contrast-enhanced computed of the abdomen revealed a circular, low-density, shallow mass (approximately 2.6 cm in diameter) in the left intrahepatic lobe and multiple round, low-density shadows in the spleen with clear boundaries (maximum diameter 7.6 cm). Based on the characteristic clinical symptoms and explicit radiological findings, the clinical diagnosis was HCC with metastasis to the liver portal, retroperitoneal lymph nodes, and spleen. After transcatheter arterial chemoembolization and sequential radiofrequency ablation, the -fetoprotein level returned to the normal range, and the hepatitis B cirrhosis improved. In addition, splenic tumour biopsy confirmed the diagnosis of primary malignant lymphoma, which went into remission after chemotherapy.

CONCLUSION

HCC with primary splenic non-Hodgkin lymphoma is extremely rare and easily misdiagnosed. Better understanding would facilitate early diagnosis, treatment and prognosis.

Extra-Nodal Lymphomas of the Head and Neck and Oral Cavity: A Retrospective Study

Disease Overview: Lymphomas, both Hodgkin's and non-Hodgkin's lymphomas, are one of the most common cancers in the head and neck area. The extra-nodal variant of lymphoma is rare, but it is the most common non-Hodgkin's lymphoma (ENHL). Furthermore, it is difficult to diagnose due to its non-specific clinical and radiological features, which can mimic other benign or malignant clinical manifestations. The study: This retrospective study involved 72 patients affected by head and neck ENHL in the period between 2003 and 2017. All patients underwent a diagnostic-therapeutic procedure according to the guidelines, and a 5-year follow-up. Based on the location of the swelling at the time of diagnosis, patients were divided into two groups: oral and non-oral ENHLs. Statistical analysis was performed using Kaplan-Meier analysis with the log-rank test. In addition, Fisher's exact test was applied to the two groups to evaluate and compare variances (the acceptable significance level was set at p < 0.05). Conclusion: ENHL with oral localization is much more aggressive than ENHL with non-oral localization, with a death rate of 40% (versus 4.76 for the non-oral one). In fact, between the two groups, there is a statistically significant difference in mortality, with a p-value of 0.0001 and 0.0002, respectively.

Non-Plaque Induced Diffuse Gingival Overgrowth: An Overview

Non-plaque induced diffuse gingival overgrowth represents a broad class of conditions caused by several etiological factors. The aim of this review is to highlight the most recent updates and classifications of all the existent gingival overgrowths. In addition, we highlighted the diagnostic pathway that should be employed in patients affected by gingival overgrowth. Gingival overgrowth can be related to syndromic diseases including a wide spectrum of genetic and chromosomal alterations. However, thanks to scientific sharing and the availability of genetic panels it is possible to obtain an accurate phenotypic identification of well-known syndromes and also to identify new ones. This narrative review shows that through rigid, strict diagnostic protocols, the work of the clinician is greatly facilitated, despite the wide variety of pathologies considered. In conclusion, the exchange of specialists’ competencies and the multidisciplinary management of these patients, are crucial to reach diagnosis and the correct clinical-therapeutic management.

Primary Extra Nodal Diffuse Large B-Cell Lymphoma of the Maxillary Sinus with Symptoms of Acute Pulpitis

Diffuse large B-cell lymphoma not otherwise specified (DLBCL-NOS) is a subtype of large B-cell non-Hodgkin lymphoma with various clinical and pathological manifestations. DLBCL-NOS which primarily arises from maxillary sinus is rare and hard to diagnose due to unique anatomy. Here, we present a case of DLBCL-NOS that developed in the left maxillary sinus of a 72-year-old male, who presented with severe toothache that resembled acute pulpitis. The lesion was diagnosed and treated based on radiographs, histological, immunohistological examinations, and PET-CT analysis. Despite its rare incidence, DLBCL-NOS should still be included in differential diagnoses to rule out malignancy in cases of endodontic disease.

Analysis of the Clinicopathologic Characteristics and Prognosis of Head and Neck Lymphoma

Statistical reports on non-Hodgkin's lymphoma (NHL) of the head and neck combining clinical medicine with pathology are rare. To provide a basis for prognosis prediction and individualized treatment, we will investigate the clinicopathologic characteristics and prognosis of lymphoma in the head and neck region. Four hundred sixty-one patients with NHL in the head and neck region diagnosed through histological biopsy were retrospectively analyzed. Fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) and immunohistochemistry (IHC) were performed in all cases to evaluate the genetic status and protein expression levels. Patients were followed up by telephone. The prevalence rate of primary extranodal NHL (PENHL) in the head and neck region was 44.62% (166/372). The incidence of extranodal lymphoma accounted for 36.66% (169/461) of all head and neck lymphomas. Among the cases of PENHL of the head and neck, diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) (60/76, 78.95%) and extranodal NK/T-cell lymphoma, nasal type (ENKTCL) (21/24, 87.5%) were the most common subtypes originating from B-cell lymphoma (BCL) and T-cell lymphoma (TCL), respectively. The most common sites of nodal and extranodal onset were neck lymph nodes and the gastrointestinal tract, respectively. The most common and primary locations of BCL and TCL were the tonsils and nasal cavity, respectively. The 3-year survival rates of PENHL, ENKTCL, and DLBCL of the head and neck were 42%, 28.57%, and 41.67%, respectively, and the 5-year survival rates were 24%, 19.05%, and 20%, respectively. Survival analysis showed that male sex was a risk factor (HR = 5.421; 95% CI, 1.164-25.267; p < 0.05) and that comprehensive treatment was a protective factor (HR = 0.117; 95% CI, 0.025-0.545; p < 0.05) against extranodal DLBCL in the head and neck region. Bone marrow involvement was a risk factor for PENHL of the head and neck (HR = 5.072; 95% CI, 1.17-21.991; p < 0.05). The purpose of this review is to show that PENHL of the head and neck with high incidence deserves more attention, and a model of multidisciplinary diagnosis and treatment should be adopted.

What is the frequency of floor of the mouth lesions? A descritive study of 4,016 cases

Background

The aim of this study was to investigate the frequency of oral lesions in the floor of the mouth from representative oral pathology centres in Latin America.

Material and Methods

This study was conducted on biopsies obtained from January of 1978 to December of 2018 at nine Latin America oral and maxillofacial pathology centres. Gender, age and histopathological diagnosis were evaluated. Data were analysed using descriptive methods. Chi-square test was used for pairwise comparisons.

Results

From 114,893 samples, 4,016 lesions (3.49%) occurred in the floor of the mouth. Brazil showed 3,777 cases (94%), Mexico 182 cases (4.5%) and Argentina 57 cases (1.4%). Benign lesions represented 65.1% (2,617 cases), followed by 34.9% (1,404 cases) of malignant disorders. Lesions of epithelial origin were more frequent (1,964 cases; 48.9%), followed by salivary glands (1,245 cases; 31%) and soft tissue lesions (475 cases; 11.7%). The most common histological subtypes were oral squamous cell carcinoma (1,347 cases; 33.5%), ranula (724 cases; 18%), oral leukoplakia (476 cases; 11.8%) and inflammatory fibrous hyperplasia (239 cases; 5.9%). The lesion affected males in 2,129 cases and females in 1,897 cases.

Conclusions

In the current study, lesions in the floor of the mouth represented 3.49% of biopsies submitted to oral pathology services and oral squamous cell carcinoma, ranula and leukoplakia were the most common lesions.

Key words:Epidemiology, floor of the mouth, benign, malignant.

Mandibular sporadic Burkitt lymphoma in an adult patient: A case report and review of the literature

Only a minor percent of lymphomas arise in the oral cavity. Although rare, dentists and clinicians should not neglect them as a possible consideration in the differential diagnosis of oral lesions.

Clinicopathological and genetic characteristics of diffuse large B-cell lymphoma of the oropharyngeal and maxillofacial region

OBJECTIVES

The study was aimed to analyze the clinicopathological and molecular pathological features of diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) in the oropharyngeal and maxillofacial region.

SUBJECTS AND METHODS

A retrospective review was performed with 36 patients who were diagnosed with primary DLBCL of the oropharyngeal and maxillofacial region from 2009 to 2017 in the Department of Pathology at the Hospital of Stomatology, Wuhan University. Immunohistochemistry and fluorescence in situ hybridization were performed.

RESULTS

Gene rearrangements of BCL2, BCL6, and MYC were observed in 5.6%, 33.3%, and 22.2%, respectively, including two double-hit and one triple-hit DLBCL (8.3%). There was a significant correlation between MYC protein expression and gene translocation (rs = 0.679, p < .001). However, 25% of cases with MYC rearrangement showed low MYC protein expression. In univariate analysis, MYC protein expression, BCL2 rearrangement, MYC rearrangement, and double/triple-hit DLBCL were associated with shorter overall survival, whereas only MYC protein expression was an independent prognostic value in multivariate model.

CONCLUSIONS

MYC protein expression was an essential prognostic marker of DLBCL in the oropharyngeal and maxillofacial region. Notably, immunohistochemical staining of MYC, BCL2, and BCL6 could not predict their gene rearrangements, although MYC protein expression was correlated with gene translocation.