[Malignant lymphomas and immunosialadenitis (author's transl].

Area of Science:

• Immunopathology
• Oncology
• Rheumatology

Background:

• Immune sialadenitis, characterized by salivary duct inflammation and immune system proliferation, is associated with Sjögren's syndrome.
• Prolonged immune stimulation in this condition can potentially lead to the development of malignant lymphomas, primarily immunocytoma or immunoblastic sarcoma.
• Understanding this link is crucial for early diagnosis and management of salivary gland pathologies.

Observation:

• A review of 77 cases of myoepithelial sialadenitis identified four instances of associated malignant lymphomas.
• These lymphomas included diffuse germinoblastoma, immunocytic lymphoma, and immunoblastic sarcoma, classified under the Kiel classification.
• An additional 41 cases from literature further support the association between malignant lymphomas and immune sialadenitis in salivary glands.

Findings:

• The study observed a higher-than-average incidence of malignant lymphomas in patients with immune sialadenitis.
• This increased frequency is hypothesized to result from secondary malignant transformation of immune cells due to chronic stimulation.
• Specific lymphoma types identified include immunocytoma and immunoblastic sarcoma.

Implications:

• Rapidly developing tumorous alterations in salivary glands affected by chronic immune sialadenitis should raise suspicion for malignant lymphoma.
• Prompt diagnosis and appropriate therapeutic interventions are critical for patients presenting with these symptoms.
• Further research into the mechanisms driving this transformation could lead to improved diagnostic and therapeutic strategies.