Physical torment: A predisposition for diffuse B-cell lymphoma

Abstract

Lymphomas of the oral cavity are rare and represent only 3%–5% of all lymphomas. Diffuse large B-cell lymphomas (DLBCLs) are a heterogeneous group of tumor and the most common type of all non-Hodgkin's lymphomas (NHLs). They mostly arise from soft tissue as asymptomatic swelling and involvement of jaw bones is infrequent. We present a case of a 23-year-old patient who developed DLBCL in oral cavity region 4 months after blunt trauma. The patient lacked other physical symptoms at the time of presentation. Histopathology, bone marrow and immunohistochemistry revealed DLBCL. After chemotherapy of eight cycles, swelling was totally reduced and no relapse observed in 10 months’ follow-up period. Thus, the present report represents an example of possible rapport between trauma and unresolved soft-tissue swelling which may be caused by NHLs.