Primary malignant lymphomas of the salivary glands

Primary malignant lymphomas of the salivary glands are rare, and only 43 possible cases have been reported. Four new cases from the Johns Hopkins Hospital are described, including clinical presentation, histologic findings, and subsequent course. The literature on this subject is reviewed, including cases arising in preexisting benign lymphoepithelial lesion with or without Sjögren's syndrome. Although the number of reported cases with complete documentation and follow-up information is too small for significant statistical analysis, these patients appear to have a better prognosis than the usual lymphoma patient. The possible reasons for this are discussed.