Diffuse Large B Cell Lymphoma of the Maxilla. A Rare Case Report Emphasizing Differential Diagnosis of Maxillary Involvement

Abstract

Aims: Report a rare case of Diffuse large B cell lymphoma (DLBCL) of the maxilla which is difficult to diagnose clinically and radiographically with a wide array of differential diagnosis lists. Presentation of Case: A case of a 16-year male with well-defined swelling in the posterior region of the right maxilla associated with pain, paraesthesia, and abnormal mobility of teeth which mimicked a localized periodontal abscess. The clinical diagnosis of DLBCL poses a challenge opening a wide array of false diagnostic impressions. Discussion: Traditionally lymphoma is classified into Hodgkin’s (HL) and non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma (NHL) and NHL involves the extra-nodal site including the gastrointestinal tract, central nervous system, skin as well as in the head and neck area involving waldeyer’s ring, buccal mucosa, tongue, maxilla, and mandible Conclusion: The diagnosis of DLBCL may get delayed with a wide range of differentials in the jaw. A false diagnosis like periapical pathology or other benign lesions would delay the treatment plan. Clinically any lesion suspicious of malignancy in the jaw requires the attention of clinicopathological and radiographic correlation with special diagnostic techniques like immunohistochemistry.