Plasmablastic lymphoma of the oral cavity, a B cell-derived lymphoma associated with HIV infection: a case series

Abstract

Plasmablastic lymphoma (PBL) of the oral cavity is a rare form of non-Hodgkin lymphoma that is most frequently met in human immunodeficiency (HIV) positive patients. Only a few cases have been reported worldwide since 1997. This clinical entity may escape detection due to its unusual immunophenotype and rare occurrence. Our aim is to present two cases with this rare condition that were diagnosed and treated in our department. We describe two cases of PBLs in HIV-infected patients, who presented with an expanding painless oral lesion and summarize the literature in order to elucidate the nature of this malignancy. The first patient received chemotherapy with additional radiotherapy that led to complete remission of the disease, while the second experienced a relapse 6 months after treatment with chemotherapy, that caused his death after refusal of further treatment. Because of the consistent epidemiological association of PBL with immunosuppression, any patient diagnosed with PBL should be tested for HIV. The clinical picture of PBL, including its affinity with HIV-infection, male sex, and its predilection for the oral cavity, may contribute to the differential diagnosis. Any oral mass occurring in an immunosuppressed patient should be referred for biopsy, since the early diagnosis of these tumors leads to better prognosis of the patients.