Head and neck lymphomas from otolaryngology perspective

Abstract

Aim: To evaluate the clinical manifestations, histopathologic composition, and demographic characteristics of the lymphomas presented in the head and neck. Materials and Methods: Records of subjects who had a diagnosis of lymphoma by an otolaryngology clinic in a tertiary referral hospital between May 2007 and July 2017 were reviewed. Demographic features and data regarding histopathology, radiology, and clinical presentation were evaluated. Results: A total of 103 lymphomas in the head and neck region, 79 (77%) nodal lymphoma, and 24 (23%) extranodal lymphoma, were diagnosed. The initial presentation was solitary lymphadenopathy in 12 (15%) of the nodal lymphomas but conglomerated or multiple lymphadenopathies in the others. No significant relationship was found between lymph node size and histopathology (p=0.144). Extranodal lymphomas presented most commonly in tonsils (n=8, 33%). Hodgkin lymphoma to non-Hodgkin lymphoma ratio was 0.8 (35/44) among nodal lymphomas. The dominant subgroup of non-Hodgkin lymphomas was diffuse large b-cell lymphoma (n=18, 40%). All of the Hodgkin lymphomas in our series were classic variant, and the subjects were younger than the non-Hodgkin lymphomas (z=-4.803, p<0.001). The histopathology of 46 (68%) of non-Hodgkin lymphomas was aggressive. T/NK-cell NHL was detected in seven subjects (6.8%). This was the only group with male predominance (n=5, 71%). Conclusion: Lymphomas are a large group of malignancies that can present in various clinical forms in the head and neck region. The gender and age of onset of this neoplasm differ by many biological, environmental, and epidemiological factors. Ultrasound findings are crucial in evaluating suspicious lymph nodes. A tissue biopsy is recommended to exclude lymphomas from other neoplasms to make an accurate diagnosis.

Keywords

• Lymphoma
• head and neck
• malignancy

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