Non-Hodgkin lymphoma of a palate: A case report of a highly destructive lesion

Non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL) is a haematolymphoid neoplasm that can affect nodal and extra-nodal sites. It is a rare disease in the oral cavity, accounting for only 2% of all extra-nodal lymphomas. Its aetiology is multi-factorial, being strongly associated with viral infections. The average age group most affected is 66 years old, with a slight predilection for males. The most common histological sub-type in the oral cavity is diffuse large B-cell lymphoma, with Waldeyer's ring being the most affected site in the nodal form, and extranodally, it may involve the tongue, hard/soft palate, maxilla, and mandible. It presents as a nodular lesion with a smooth or ulcerated surface. The initial treatment approach is chemotherapy, but this may vary according to the stage of lymphoma. The aim of this study was to report a case of NHL in the palate of a 54-year-old female patient, with extensive tissue destruction.