Authors : Dr. Satish Kumar Jain; Dr. Himanshi Narang; Dr. Shivam Narang

Volume/Issue : Volume 11 - 2026, Issue 7 - July

Google Scholar : https://tinyurl.com/4245xs5k

Scribd : https://tinyurl.com/yc2u28yu

DOI : https://doi.org/10.38124/ijisrt/26jul1095

Note : A published paper may take 4-5 working days from the publication date to appear in PlumX Metrics, Semantic Scholar, and ResearchGate.

Abstract : Introduction: Primary extranodal Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphomas (NHLs) of the oral cavity are extremely rare (<1% of cases). In adults, Burkitt lymphoma accounts for under 2% of malignant lymphomas in India. Due to their scarcity, base of tongue lesions frequently present as diagnostic dilemmas, often mimicking common epithelial malignancies like squamous cell carcinoma.  Aim: To highlight a rare presentation of primary extranodal Burkitt lymphoma of the base of the tongue, initially masquerading as squamous cell carcinoma, and emphasize the necessity of timely histopathological and immunohistochemical evaluation.  Methodology: A 35-year-old male presenting with foreign body sensation underwent clinical examination, OPD toluidine blue staining, contrast-enhanced MRI (CEMRI) of the oral cavity/neck, and a direct laryngoscopic biopsy. The tissue sample was evaluated via histopathology (H&E) and a targeted panel of immunohistochemical (IHC) markers.  Result: Clinical examination revealed a non-tender 1 cm X 2 cm ulcerative growth at the right base of the tongue. CEMRI suggested a neoplastic lesion consistent with tongue base carcinoma. However, histopathology showed diffusely infiltrating atypical lymphoid cells with tingible-body macrophages. IHC confirmed Burkitt lymphoma.

References :

1. Sharma P, Gawande M, Chaudhary M et al (2018) T-cell lymphoma of oral cavity: A rare entity. J Oral Maxillofac Pathol 22:104–107. https://doiorg/104103/jomfpJOMFP_153_16
2. International T-, Cell Lymphoma Project (2008) International peripheral T-Cell and natural Killer/T-Cell lymphoma study: pathology findings and clinical outcomes. J Clin Oncol 26:4124 4130. https://doiorg/101200/JCO2008164558
3. Mahanta D, Sharma JD, Sarma A et al (2019) Pattern of T-cell non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma in a tertiary care center in North East India. Indian J Med Paediatr Oncol 40:391–395. https://doiorg/1 04103/ijmpoijmpo_74_18
4. Diagnostic Imaging Head & Neck, 3^rd edition by Koch, Hamilton, Hudgins and Harnsberger, chapter 488 “Base of Tongue Squamous Cell Carcinoma” - Luke N. Ledbetter, MD.
5. Newton R, Ferlay J, Beral V, Devesa SS. The epidemiology of non-hodgkin’s lymphoma: comparison of nodal and extra-nodal sites. Int J Cancer. 1997; 72:923–30.
6. Advani, S.H., and 14 others, The pattern of malignant lymphoma in India: a study of 1371 cases. Leukemia Lymphoma, 2, 307–316 (1990).
7. Burkitt D. Long‐term remissions following one and two‐dose chemotherapy for African lymphoma. Cancer. 1967;20(5):756-9.
8. Clifford P, Singh S, Stjernswärd J, Klein G. Long-term survival of patients with Burkitt's lymphoma: an assessment of treatment and other factors which may relate to survival. Cancer research. 1967 Dec 1;27(12):2578-615
9. Dr K. Srinivas Rao et al JMSCR Volume 06 Issue 06 June 2018, Isolated Non Hodgkin Lymphoma of the Base of Tongue –A Case Report, ISSN (e)-2347-176x ISSN (p) 2455-0450, https://dx.doi.org/10.18535/jmscr/v6i6.38.
10. Guastafierro S, Falcone U, Celentano M, Cappabianca S, Giudice A, Colella G. Primary mantle-cell non-Hodgkin's lymphoma of the tongue Int J Hematol. 2008;88:206–8
11. Tarhan AE, Akdoğan MV, Haberal AN, Özlüoğlu LN and Demirhan B: Lymphoma presenting as hypopharynx and tongue base malıgnancy. KBB-Forum. 3:54–58. 2004.(In Turkish).
12. Ezzat AA, Ibrahim EM, El Weshi AN, Khafaga YM, AlJurf M, Martin JM, Ajarim DS, Bazarbashi SN, Stuart RK and Zucca E: Localized non-Hodgkin's lymphoma of Waldeyer's ring: clinical features, management and prognosis of 130 adult patients. Head Neck. 23:547–558. 2001.
13. d’Amore F, Gaulard P, Trümper L, ESMO Guidelines Committee et al (2015) Peripheral T-cell lymphomas: ESMO clinical prac tice guidelines for diagnosis, treatment and follow-up. Ann Oncol 26:v108–115. h t t p s : / / d o i . o r g / 1 0 . 1 0 9 3 / a n n o n c / m d v 2 0
14. Asadi AA, Mahmoudi H, Mofidi A et al (2023) Peripheral T-cell lymphoma of the oral cavity: A case report. Cancer Rep (Hobo ken) 6(1):e1751. h t t p s : / / d o i . o r g / 1 0 . 1 0 0 2 / c n r 2 . 1 7 5 1 Al Omari A,
15. Al Zoubi F, Alsalem MM et al (2018) Primary sino orbital peripheral T-cell lymphoma presenting as unilateral peri orbital swelling: a case report. Int J Ophthalmol 11:1881–1883. h t t p s : / / d o i . o r g / 1 0 . 1 8 2 4 0 / i j o . 2 0 1 8 . 1 1 . 2 4