Extranodal non-Hodgkin's lymphoma presenting as gingival mass

Non-Hodgkin's lymphoma (NHL) commonly presents as non-tender, enlarged lymph nodes, accompanied by diffuse symptoms of fatigue and low-grade intermittent fever and it is derived predominantly from the cells of the B lymphocyte series. NHL cases occur extra-nodally and in 3% of these cases the initial presentation may be in the oral cavity. Though extra-nodal NHL of the oral cavity is a rare finding, patients with oral lesions of NHL commonly present at the dental clinic in the first instance. A careful clinical evaluation supported by histopathological and other laboratory investigations will help in identifying the disease at an early stage, resulting in better prognosis. Any delay in diagnosis has important implications on the morbidity and mortality of the condition. Due to the rarity of intraoral NHL, we present one such a case with a complaint of tumor-like mass on the gingiva of lower molar region. The lesion was clinically thought as pyogenic granuloma and later diagnosed as extra nodal NHL of the oral cavity.