Oral and maxillofacial pathology
Mantle cell lymphoma of the oral cavity: case series and comprehensive review of the literature

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Objective

Mantle cell lymphoma (MCL) is a rare B-cell neoplasm that has only recently been defined as a distinct entity. Because of its rarity and histologic similarities to other small cell lymphomas, the microscopic diagnosis of MCL may be challenging. This is particularly true within the oral cavity, where other lymphomas are more frequent. To date, few cases of MCL presenting within the oral cavity have been reported.

Study design

We present 2 new cases of MCL within the oral cavity and systematically review 7 other cases of MCL reported in the English-language literature. Historical cases were reviewed, and available data regarding morphology, special stains, demographics, clinical presentation, radiographic findings, management, and outcome were extracted. Data from our present series were then compared with the earlier published literature.

Results

To the best of our knowledge, this is the largest reviewed series of MCL within the oral cavity, totaling 9 cases. The features of our cases, including histology, clinical presentation, and outcome, are consistent with the 7 earlier reported cases. The majority of oral MCLs occur in an older male population, and a high proportion occur on the palate.

Conclusion

We conclude that MCL of the oral cavity is an uncommon diagnosis. Most oral MCLs occur in an elderly male population and have a possible predilection for the palate. The microscopic diagnosis can be challenging, given its similar appearance to other small cell lymphomas, requiring a comprehensive immunohistochemical panel for the accurate diagnosis. Like MCL occurring in other sites in the body, the prognosis and outcome of oral MCL appears to be poor.

Section snippets

Case series

The databases of the University of California San Francisco Oral Pathology Biopsy Service and Department of Pathology were systematically searched for all MCLs occurring within the oral cavity for the period 2001-2007. All slides and case reports were retrieved and reviewed. For cases reported before 2001, when the term mantle cell lymphoma was not commonly used, the databases were searched for all lymphomas occurring in the oral cavity and then the original sections and case reports were

Results

We identified 2 oral cavity MCL cases from within our files (Table II) and an additional 7 published cases. All cases diagnosed as small cell lymphomas of the oral cavity before 2001 were reviewed (n = 70). Of these 70 cases, 12 were subsequently stained with CCND1. All of these failed to demonstrate CCND1 staining. The clinical findings of all 9 patients are summarized in Table II. The mean patient age of our 2 patients at presentation was 77 years, similar to the overall mean age of 71 years

Discussion

Although as a group, NHL is the second most common malignancy presenting within the head and neck region, involvement of the head and neck by MCL is unusual, and the primary presentation of MCL within the oral cavity is rare.3, 4, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16 To our knowledge, this is the largest reviewed series of MCL arising within the oral cavity that has been reported in the English-language literature. The pathologic and demographic findings of our 2 patients are generally

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    Supported by the National Institutes of Health (CA095231, T32DE017249, and T32DE019096).

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