Rare oral cavity presentation of a B-cell lymphoblastic lymphoma. A case report and review of the literature

Abstract

Lymphoblastic lymphoma is an uncommon malignancy, with most cases showing a T-cell phenotype and presenting as a mediastinal mass. By contrast, B-cell lymphoblastic lymphoma/leukemia is a rare high-grade malignancy that comprises approximately 10% of all lymphoblastic lymphomas. Lymphomas of the oral cavity are rare and typically present as intraosseous lesions that are most commonly diffuse large B-cell type. Here we present what we believe is the first B-cell lymphoblastic lymphoma initially presenting in the oral cavity. The case involves a 46-year-old white woman who presented with a mass in the right mandible. This report discusses this rare malignancy, including clinical presentation, histopathologic features, immunologic profile, treatment, and prognosis. This case emphasizes the importance of recognizing rare entities that may present in the oral cavity and the impact of the disease and its management.