Site-specific analysis of B-cell non-Hodgkin’s lymphomas of the head and neck: A retrospective 10-year observation

Abstract

Conclusion: B-cell non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma (B-NHL) in the head and neck most commonly affected the oropharynx and the cervical lymph node in sexagenarian patients, with more than 70% of these cases being diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL). Accordingly, B-NHL should be considered one of the most important differential diagnoses of head and neck malignancies. Objectives: It has previously been reported that the majority of head and neck malignant lymphomas are B-NHLs. This analysis aimed to assess the site-specific profiles of B-NHL of the head and neck. Methods: The medical records of patients with B-NHL of the head and neck diagnosed between January 2004 and December 2013 were retrospectively reviewed. The clinical parameters of these patients, including age, sex, site distribution, and histopathologic sub-type, were analyzed. Results: A total of 153 cases (95 males; 58 females) were included in this analysis (male-to-female ratio = 1.64:1). The patient age at the time of diagnosis ranged from 30–92 years (median = 68 years). The oropharynx was the most commonly affected site (40.5%), followed by the cervical lymph nodes (33.3%). The most common histopathologic sub-type was DLBCL (71.9%), followed by follicular lymphoma (11.1%), and extranodal marginal zone lymphoma of mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue (9.2%).

Keywords:

• cervical lymph node
• diffuse large B-cell lymphoma
• malignant lymphoma
• palatine tonsil
• tongue base

Acknowledgment

The authors wish to thank Professor Masahiko Ohsawa, an expert hematopathologist, from the Department of Diagnostic Pathology of Osaka City University Hospital for the pathological diagnosis of each case.

Declaration of interest: The authors report no conflicts of interest. The authors alone are responsible for the content and writing of the paper.