Abstract
We present a case of malignant lymphoma of the mandible diagnosed by coincidentally-developed mental hypoesthesia after placement of a dental implant. A 60-year old woman who underwent dental implant placement by a dental practitioner visited our hospital because of postoperative mental hypoesthesia. Orthopantomography and CT revealed perforated bone defects at the posterior molar and ramus region of the mandible, but could not demonstrate a causal relationship between the implantation and the hypoesthesia. In blood test results, the values of sIL-2R and LDH were abnormally elevated. A tumor arising from soft tissue around the molar region was biopsied, and a diagnosis of diffuse large B-cell lymphoma was confirmed histopathologically. This tumor was treated at the Department of Hematology by the R-CHOP chemotherapy regimen, resulting in complete remission of the tumor, and masticatory function was adequately restored using dental implants. It was concluded that early detection and rapid cure are the key to maintaining oral function.
