Three Cases of Malignant Lymphomas in the Head and Neck Region Present with Various Symptoms

Abstract

Malignant lymphomas represented approximately 12.4% of all malignant neoplasms of the head and neck in 2009. The clinical presentation of patients with malignant lymphoma of the head and neck region resemble those of patients with head and neck cancer. These tumors are more common in men over 60 years of age, and they most frequently arise in the mid-pharynx and cervical lymph nodes. Histopathologically, about 80% of causes are B-cell lymphomas. Herein, we report three cases of diffuse large B-cell lymphoma.

Case1

The patient, an 86-year-old woman, presented with a history of right nasal obstruction and right nasal hemorrhage. Findings of CT, MRI and PET led to the suspicion of right nasal sinus malignancy.

Case2

The patient, an 84-year-old woman, presented with a history of hoarseness and dysphagia, and CT showed an enlarged root of the tongue and bilateral cervical lymphadenopathy. The patient was admitted to the hospital urgently due to airway stenosis.

Case3

The patient, an 84-year-old woman, presented with the complaint of pain during swallowing. Findings of CT led to the suspicion of a malignant tumor in the mid-pharynx. PET/CT showed excessive accumulation in multiple lymph nodes and in multiple subcutaneous tumors.

Cases 2 and 3 required airway management at the otorhinolaryngology department.

Malignant lymphomas of the head and neck region often require airway management, and early diagnosis is of importance.