Hodgkin lymphoma diagnosed during dental treatment: the importance of neck palpation

Gen Dent. 2017 Nov-Dec;65(6):65-68.

Abstract

Hodgkin lymphoma (HL) is a malignant lymphoproliferative disease that originates from alterations in germinal center B cells. HL generally affects cervical and supraclavicular nodes, and the most common clinical presentation is adenopathy. It can be symptomatic and detected by the patient or asymptomatic and identified during a physical examination. This article reports the case of a 17-year-old girl who was diagnosed with HL during dental treatment, highlighting the importance of a complete physical examination in dental practice.

Keywords: Hodgkin lymphoma; cervical lymph node; fine-needle aspiration cytology; neck palpation.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Dental Care*
  • Diagnosis, Differential
  • Female
  • Hodgkin Disease / diagnosis*
  • Humans
  • Physical Examination*