[Non-Hodgkin extranodular lymphoma of the palate]

Non-Hodgkin lymphomas belong to the neoplasms of lymphoreticular system. They derive form lymphocytes or their precursors, and cells that form as a result of lymphocytes' transformation. In most cases, the extranodular localisation of the neoplasm is alimentary tract, particularly the stomach. Less frequent locations are the ovaries, kidneys, adrenal glands, caecum, anus area, and retroperitoneal space. Also the region of the head and neck, especially the salivary glands, eyeballs, naso-fauces, maxillary sinus, should be considered when talking about extranodular localization. However lymphomas in those regions rarely penetrate the orbital and cranial cavity. In very few cases non-Hodgkin lymphomas locate themselves in the fundus of the oral cavity and lips. The aim of the study is to present a patient with rarely occuring lymphoma of the soft palate. First complaints of pain have been noticed 3 months before the patient arrived in our hospital, and gradually intensified themselves, which caused problems during meals. The patient has lost 5 kg of weight since the beginning of the disease, and suffered from profuse night sweating. In local anaesthesia a biopsy specimen has been taken for histological examination. The result of the examination was: MALT lymphoma, CD20, CD3. The patient was qualified for chemotherapy according to CHOP scheme, in the Chair of Oncology of Medical University in Lodz. Next, the patient has been transferred to the Department of the Radiotherapy. The patient completed the treatment in good condition.