Primary Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma of The Gingiva in an HIV-Seropositive Patient —Case Report and Review

Abstract

Non-Hodgkin's lymphomas are a diverse and complex group of malignant tumours arising from cells of the lymphoreticular system, usually B-lymphocytes. Rarely seen in the oral cavity, extranodal non-Hodgkin's lymphoma is now seen with some frequency in patients with HIV. Oral HIV-related lymphomas exhibit an aggressive course and can mimic other oral tumours and infections, which makes early recognition and diagnosis difficult. We present a case of non-Hodgkin's lymphoma on the mandibular gingiva as the first manifestation of HIV infection in a young patient, and review the literature.