Infectious mononucleosis mimicking malignant T-cell lymphoma in the nasopharynx: a case report and review of the literature

Int J Clin Exp Pathol. 2013;6(1):105-9. Epub 2012 Nov 20.

Abstract

Infectious mononucleosis (IM) is Epstein-Barr virus-associated and self-limited lymphoproliferative disorder. The histopathologic features of the nasopharynx in IM are rarely described. In this report, we described a patient of IM with atypical T-cell proliferation in the nasopharynx. In-situ hybridization for EBV-encoded RNA with immunostaining against CD20 was used for evaluation of EBV infection. The histopathologic features of IM could mimic malignant T-cell lymphoma. It should be differentiate reactive T-cell lymphoproliferation from malignant lymphoma in the nasopharynx.

Keywords: EBV; IM; Infectious mononucleosis; lymphoma.

Publication types

  • Case Reports
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Diagnosis, Differential
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Infectious Mononucleosis / diagnosis*
  • Lymphoma, T-Cell / diagnosis*
  • Nasopharyngeal Diseases / diagnosis*
  • T-Lymphocytes / pathology*
  • T-Lymphocytes / virology