Core needle biopsyで確定診断された頬部低悪性度B細胞リンパ腫例

抄録

Malignant lymphomas represent approximately 6%–9% of all malignant neoplasms of the head and neck. In this report, we describe the case of a 42-year-old woman who presented with the complaint of swelling of the right cheek and was referred to our hospital. MR imaging revealed a relatively well-defined tumor anterior to the masseter muscle. Some trials of fine needle aspiration cytology failed to lead to a definitive diagnosis. Tumor biopsy was necessary to obtain a histopathological diagnosis. In consideration of the aesthetic aspect, tumor biopsy with facial skin incision was considered undesirable. Therefore, we adopted the core needle biopsy technique usually used in the realm of breast surgery, gastroenterology, nephrology and orthopedic surgery. This patient was finally diagnosed as having a B-cell lymphoma arising from the subcutaneous tissue. She was then referred to a hematologist, who treated her by chemotherapy and local irradiation.

We reviewed the published literature concerning primary extranodal lymphoma of the soft tissue of the cheek, and found that only 8 cases have been reported so far in Japan. In most of these cases, an excisional biopsy was performed to obtain a histological diagnosis. We present this case with a discussion of the usefulness and complications of core needle biopsy.

In conclusion, the core needle biopsy technique is a useful technique, that could be recommended for cases where more invasive techniques need to be avoided.