Unusual gingival presentation of post-transplantation lymphoproliferative disorder: a case report and review of the literature

Oral Surg Oral Med Oral Pathol Oral Radiol Endod. 2000 Oct;90(4):436-41. doi: 10.1067/moe.2000.107446.

Abstract

Post-transplantation lymphoproliferative disorder is a well-documented complication of solid organ or bone marrow transplantation. Histologically, it is characterized by an abnormal proliferation of lymphocytes, which can range from benign B-cell hyperplasia to malignant lymphoma. Non-Hodgkin's lymphoma (NHL) is associated with several risk factors, such as congenital or acquired immunodeficiency states, autoimmune disorders, and infectious agents (eg, Epstein-Barr virus). Primary sites of presentation in the head and neck are Waldeyer's ring, paranasal sinuses, salivary glands, the oral cavity, and the larynx. Clinical appearance of gingival NHL varies but is usually found to be an asymptomatic gingival enlargement or mass resembling a pyogenic granuloma. We present a patient with a gingival ulceration that was subsequently diagnosed as Epstein-Barr virus malignant lymphoma resulting from the immunosuppression needed to prevent graft-versus-host disease after bone marrow transplantation.

Publication types

  • Case Reports
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Antibodies, Monoclonal / therapeutic use
  • Antibodies, Monoclonal, Murine-Derived
  • Antineoplastic Agents / therapeutic use
  • Bone Marrow Transplantation / adverse effects*
  • Burkitt Lymphoma / etiology
  • Burkitt Lymphoma / pathology*
  • Burkitt Lymphoma / therapy
  • Diagnosis, Differential
  • Gingival Neoplasms / etiology
  • Gingival Neoplasms / pathology*
  • Gingival Neoplasms / therapy
  • Graft vs Host Disease / complications
  • Graft vs Host Disease / etiology
  • Humans
  • Immunosuppression Therapy / adverse effects
  • Lymphoma, Large B-Cell, Diffuse / etiology
  • Lymphoma, Large B-Cell, Diffuse / pathology*
  • Lymphoma, Large B-Cell, Diffuse / therapy
  • Male
  • Neoplasm Staging
  • Rituximab

Substances

  • Antibodies, Monoclonal
  • Antibodies, Monoclonal, Murine-Derived
  • Antineoplastic Agents
  • Rituximab