Non-Hodgkin′s lymphoma of the hard palate

Abstract

Background: Non-Hodgkin's lymphoma usually involves lymph nodes but can also involve extranodal sites. Oral lymphomas are relatively rare and often difficult to diagnose in a clinical setting. We present a case of a patient of non-Hodgkin's lymphoma of the hard palate who had undergone external beam radiation therapy and was found to be well 1 year following treatment. Case presentation: A 43-year-old male attended the Community Oncology Division of Regional Cancer Centre with complaints of painless swelling on the right side of face of three months' duration. A computed tomography (CT) scan confirmed irregular destruction of the hard palate towards the right side of the midline with adjacent soft tissue component. Histopathology report confirmed the diagnosis of follicular lymphoma. He was given radical external beam radiation therapy (40 Gy in 20 fractions over 4 weeks). Clinical examination at the end of radiation revealed complete disappearance of the palatal swelling. Conclusion: Oral lymphomas are relatively rare and often difficult to diagnose as the clinical features mimic other pathological entities such as periodontal disease, osteomyelitis, and other malignancies. A careful clinical evaluation supported by radiologic and histopathologic investigations will help in identifying the disease at an early stage, which will result in better prognosis.