Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma - the Elusive Mimicker

Lymphomas are solid tumours of the immune system and include 14% of all head and neck malignancies. Non-Hodgkin’s lymphomas (NHLs) are a heterogeneous group of lymphoproliferative disorders originating in B-, T-, or natural killer T-cells. Non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma is a subtype of lymphoma, with two-thirds of the cases presenting as lymph node enlargement. The remaining one third of NHL cases have been reported in the extra nodal sites, including the gastrointestinal tract, Waldeyer’s ring, bone, skin, and brain. Intraoral non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma is uncommon and may affect either the jaw bones or occur within the soft tissues of the oral cavity. Oral lymphomas though presenting in 3% - 4% of all lymphomas, are difficult to diagnose as they mimic an array of other diseases such as periodontal disease, osteomyelitis, and other malignancies. An articulate approach with a good understating of the medical history of the patient plays a vital role in diagnosis of oral lymphomas. NHL in the oral cavity is a rarity, but in immunocompromised patients with AIDS there is a risk of around 100-200 times to that of general population. This poster presents a case of non-Hodgkins lymphoma in 72 year-old male with nodulo-proliferative growth on the right maxillary ridge.