Isolated lymphoepithelial lesion of the palate: Report of a case and review of the literature

Abstract

Lymphoepithelial lesion (LL) of salivary glands is characterized by a triad consisting of intense intralobular lymphocytic infiltration, parenchymal atrophy, and epimyoepithelial islands. The latter feature occurs only rarely in affected minor salivary glands.1 Lymphoepithelial lesion exhibits a predilection for the parotid glands of older woman,1-3 and, in most instances, it appears in association with Sjogren’s syndrome (SS). In one third to one half of SS patients, there is clinically apparent unilateral or bilateral enlargement of the salivary glands with microscopic features of LL.2 Lymphoepithelial lesions also affects the lacrimal glands.2,3 Isolated LLs of minor salivary glands occur uncommonly.2 We present a case of a solitary LL of the hard palate, which neither recurred nor was associated with SS for 40 months after its complete removal. Five other such cases have been reported in the literature.4-7 These cases are reviewed, and the differential diagnosis is discussed.