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Primary Extranodal Malignant Lymphoma Affecting the Periodontium
Author(s) -
Mealey Brian L.,
Tunder George S.,
Pemble Charles W.
Publication year - 2002
Publication title -
journal of periodontology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 2.036
H-Index - 156
eISSN - 1943-3670
pISSN - 0022-3492
DOI - 10.1902/jop.2002.73.8.937
Subject(s) - medicine , lesion , lymphoma , biopsy , soft tissue , radiation therapy , pathology , radiology
Background: Non‐Hodgkin's lymphoma may arise in extranodal tissues within the head and neck region. These lesions may occur in the oral cavity, but rarely appear on the gingiva. Due to their malignant nature, rapid identification, diagnosis, and treatment of non‐Hodgkin's lymphomas are essential to patient survival.Methods: An unusual case of primary extranodal non‐Hodgkin's lymphoma is described. The small lesion arose on the gingiva and alveolar rnucosa. Upon excision, the tissue was submitted for microscopic examination, with the expectation that the lesion would be benign and excision would constitute the entirety of treatment. However, a diagnosis of primary extranodal large B‐cell lymphoma was returned . Results: In addition to excision of the lesion, the patient underwent a complete work‐up to rule out other systemic lesions. Chemotherapy and radiation therapy were performed. The patient has remained healthy, without recurrence of lymphoma for3 years.Conclusions: This case reinforces the importance of submitting excised tissues for microscopic examination euen when the lesion appears totally benign. In addition, it highlights the need for complete excision of suspected lesions, with generous borders of normal tissue. With current periodontal plastic surgical techniques, most defects remaining after soft tissue biopsy can be managed with good esthetic results. J Periodontol 2002;73:937‐941.