NON-HODGKIN'S LYMPHOMA

Abstract

Non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma (NHL) can have extranodal presentation in approximately 25% of cases, unlike Hodgkin’s lymphoma which rarely involves extranodal sites. The diagnosis of extranodal lymphoma in the head and neck region can be very difficult as they can mimic more common pathologies such as infection and squamous cell carcinoma. It is important to be aware of extranodal lymphoma as a cause of facial swelling, oral malignant ulcer, or salivary neoplasm. NHL involving the oral cavity is uncommon but it should be considered as a differential diagnosis of other malignant lesions, because treatment and prognosis may vary for individual lesions.