Mantle cell lymphoma, malt lymphoma, small lymphocytic lymphoma, and follicular lymphoma of the oral cavity: An update

• Published in: Journal of oral pathology & medicine Vol. 50; no. 6; pp. 622 - 630
• Main Authors: Wagner, Vivian Petersen, Rodrigues‐Fernandes, Carla Isabelly, Carvalho, Marcus Vinícius Ribeiro, Santos, Jean Nunes, Barra, Marinez Bizarro, Hunter, Keith D., Aguirre‐Urizar, Jose Manuel, Heerden, Willie F. P., Vargas, Pablo Agustin, Fonseca, Felipe Paiva, Martins, Manoela Domingues
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Copenhagen Wiley Subscription Services, Inc 01-07-2021
• Subjects: Chronic lymphocytic leukemia; Dentistry; Diagnosis; follicular lymphoma; Literature reviews; Lymphatic leukemia; lymphocytic lymphoma; Lymphoid tissue; Lymphoma; malt lymphoma; Mantle cell lymphoma; Maxillofacial; Mucosa; Mucosal-associated lymphoid tissue; Neoplasia; Oral cavity; Palate; Salivary gland; Tumors
• ISSN: 0904-2512; 1600-0714
• DOI: 10.1111/jop.13214

Background
Although uncommon, mature small B‐cell lymphomas may arise in the oral/maxillofacial area and oral pathologists must be aware of the key characteristics of these neoplasms to perform an accurate diagnosis. In this manuscript, we attempted to integrate the currently available data on the clinicopathological features of follicular lymphoma (FL), mantle cell lymphoma (MCL), extranodal marginal zone lymphoma of mucosa‐associated lymphoid tissue (MALT‐L), and chronic lymphocytic leukemia/ small lymphocytic lymphoma (CLL/SLL) affecting these anatomical regions.
Methods
An updated descriptive literature review was carried out and a detailed electronic search was done in multiple databases to gather all cases affecting the oral/maxillofacial region and palatine tonsils.
Results
We observed that MALT‐L was the most frequently reported subtype, followed by FL, MCL, and CLL/SLL. The palate was affected in a high proportion of cases and the most usual clinical presentation was an asymptomatic swelling. MALT‐L and CLL/SLL neoplastic cells were strongly associated with small salivary glands. FL showed no gender preference, while MCL and CLL/SLL were more prevalent in males and MALT‐L in females. Overall, cases were more common in elderly individuals. Patients’ treatment and outcome varied, with MCL being the most aggressive neoplasm with a dismal prognosis in comparison to FL and MALT‐L.
Conclusion
Despite the poor documentation in many of the cases available, especially regarding the microscopic and molecular features of tumors, this review demonstrated that the oral mature small B‐cell lymphomas investigated share similar clinical presentation, but carry different prognostic significance, demanding an accurate diagnosis.