Symmetric palatal swelling as the first clinical manifestation of a mantle cell non-Hodgkin's lymphoma: A case report and review of literature

The mantle cell lymphoma (MCL) is a rare (3.7%) low-grade non-Hodgkin lymphoma originating from the B-cell precursor-subpopulation. The clinical appearance in the oral cavity is rare. Since 1980, nine cases have been reported. A 41-year-old patient showed a MCL presenting with a symmetric, painless palatal swelling without any other clinical symptoms. Histological sections revealed malignant monotonous lymphoid cells (CD20+, CD43+, Ki67+) and the typical cyclinD1 over-expression by the chromosomal translocation t(11;14)(q13;q32). The proliferating cells weekly expressed CD5, kappa-and lambda-light chains and no EMA, CD10, bcl-6, CD30, and CD23. The patient was treated according to the European MCL younger study, and the MCL is regressive. The high incidence of dento-alveolar abscesses, inflammations, or benign tumor-formations leads to associate any maxillary or palatal swelling with this clinical condition. Considering the serious consequences of a missed therapy a histological examination of any untypical “swelling” is demanded.