Benign lymphoid hyperplasia of the palate: report of two cases and immunohistochemical profile

Two cases of benign lymphoid hyperplasia (BLH) of the palate are reported. The histologic appearances are those of a benign or reactive lymphoid aggregate and correlate well with other published accounts of this lesion. Using a battery of antileukocyte antibodies suitable for formalin-fixed tissue, analysis of the antigenic profile of oral BLH has been performed. The results indicate its benign nature: the germinal centres show tingible-body macrophages and polyclonal light chain restriction, the mantle zones are composed of both mature and immature B-cells, and the extramantle zones contain both B- and T-lymphocytes, plasma cells, macrophages, polymorphonuclear leukocytes and eosinophils. The histologic and immunohistochemical features are those of benign rather than malignant proliferation of lymphocytes. This is in agreement with published accounts of long-term follow-up, which have found no correlation between BLH in the mouth with either malignant association or malignant transformation.