Clinical manifestations of diffuse large B-cell lymphoma that exhibits initial symptoms in the maxilla and mandible: a single-center retrospective study

Yasuyuki Michi; Hiroyuki Harada; Yu Oikawa; Kohei Okuyama; Takuma Kugimoto; Takeshi Kuroshima; Hideaki Hirai; Yumi Mochizuki; Hiroaki Shimamoto; Hirofumi Tomioka; Hirokazu Kachi; Jun-Ichiro Sakamoto; Kou Kayamori; Tetsuya Yoda

doi:10.1186/s12903-022-02056-x

Clinical manifestations of diffuse large B-cell lymphoma that exhibits initial symptoms in the maxilla and mandible: a single-center retrospective study

BMC Oral Health. 2022 Jan 26;22(1):20. doi: 10.1186/s12903-022-02056-x.

Affiliations

¹ Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, Tokyo Medical and Dental University, 1-5-45, Yushima, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, 113-8549, Japan. y-mic.mfs@tmd.ac.jp.
² Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, Tokyo Medical and Dental University, 1-5-45, Yushima, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, 113-8549, Japan.
³ Department of Maxillofacial Surgery, Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, Tokyo Medical and Dental University, 1-5-45, Yushima, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, 113-8549, Japan.
⁴ Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Radiology, Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, Tokyo Medical and Dental University, 1-5-45, Yushima, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, 113-8549, Japan.
⁵ Department of Oral Pathology, Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, Tokyo Medical and Dental University, 1-5-45, Yushima, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, 113-8549, Japan.

Abstract

Background: Diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) is the most common type of lymphatic tumor; however, extranodal DLBCLs that exhibit initial symptoms in the maxilla and mandible are rare. Moreover, DLBCL is clinically classified as a moderate to highly malignant lymphatic tumor that can progress rapidly; therefore, early diagnosis is crucial. However, diagnosis is difficult as the disease causes a diverse range of clinical symptoms with no characteristic imaging findings. We conducted a clinical investigation to clarify the clinical characteristics of DLBCL that exhibits initial manifestation in the maxilla and mandible.

Methods: Of the 2748 patients with malignant tumors of the oral and maxillofacial region examined at our hospital during a period of 11 years between January 2006 and December 2016, 27 primary cases diagnosed with DLBCL based on the chief complaint of symptoms in the gingiva and bone of the maxilla and mandible were enrolled in this study. Evaluations were based on sex, age, whether treatment was provided by a previous physician, symptoms, duration of disease until treatment was sought, clinical diagnosis, laboratory findings, and imaging results.

Results: There were 15 cases that involved the maxilla and 12 that involved the mandible. The median duration of disease until treatment was sought was 60 d (3-450 d). All cases exhibited a tumor or a mass, and hypoesthesia of the chin was confirmed in eight cases wherein the mandible was involved. The clinical stages were stage I in eight cases, stage II in ten cases, and stage IV in nine cases. Serum lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) levels were elevated in 13 of 22 patients. The overall survival rate was 63%.

Conclusions: Symptoms associated with nontender swelling and numbness of the lip or chin in the absence of other findings such as dental infections should raise suspicions about DLBCL. Patients should be provided appropriate imaging and accurate biopsy assessments to improve prognosis.

Keywords: Clinical feature; Diffuse large B-cell lymphoma; Imaging finding; Mandibular bone; Maxillary bone.

Publication types

Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

Humans
Lymphoma, Large B-Cell, Diffuse* / diagnosis
Lymphoma, Large B-Cell, Diffuse* / drug therapy
Lymphoma, Large B-Cell, Diffuse* / pathology
Mandible / pathology
Maxilla* / pathology
Prognosis
Retrospective Studies