T-cell non-Hodgkin´s lymphoma in oral cavity: a case report

Abstract

Patient was seen at the Diagnostic and Oromaxillofacial Surgery Service complaining of a painful ulcer in the palate associated with dysphagia. Intraoral examination revealed a giant ulcer in the hard and soft palate exhibiting elevated borders accompanied by peripheral granulomatous tissue and a central area of necrosis covered by a fibrinous exudate. Laboratory exams showed negative serology for HIV and HTLV-1 and 2 and the conclusive histopathologic diagnosis was diffuse malignant pleomorphic T-cell lymphoma. The clinical case of T-cell non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma in the oral cavity reported here emphasizes the clinical importance of this entity and the need for an early diagnosis.