A Case of Palatal Ulceration Diagnosed as EBV-associated T/NK Cell Lymphoproliferative Disorder

Abstract

An 86-year-old woman presented with palatal ulceration. She noticed the lesion after undergoing preparation of a new set of complete dentures. Despite several adjustments of the upper denture, the ulcer enlarged. On presentation, multiple ulcerations and slight redness of the hard palate were evident. The ulcer surface was covered with necrotic white tissue with no induration. Bone destruction of the palate was not apparent on computed tomography. Biopsy specimens revealed diffuse infiltration of lymphocyte-like cells. Immunohistochemical examination identified these cells as CD3-negative, CD5-positive, CD30-positive, CD56-positive, and CD57-negative, while in situ hybridization indicated EBER1-positive status. Histopathologically, the lesion was diagnosed as EBV-associated T/NK cell lymphoproliferative disorder. The ulcer improved after initiating chemotherapy with steroid, but the patient died due to cardiac failure.