Evaluation of a case of diffuse large B-cell lymphoma

Lymphomas are a group of malignant blood cell tumors that develop from lymphocytes representing 2.2% of all malignant neoplasms of the head and neck. Two main categories of lymphomas are Hodgkin's lymphoma and non-Hodgkin's lymphoma (NHL) of which 90% are of the NHL type. Several classification systems have existed for lymphomas, the objectives of which are to help in identification of homogeneous group of well-defined entities and facilitating the recognition of uncommon diseases that require further classification as it affects prognosis and therapeutic implications. Diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) is the most common NHL in the oral cavity involving Waldeyer's ring, base of the tongue, buccal mucosa and hard palate. DLBCL can be divided into germinal center B-cell-like, activated B-cell-like or type 3 gene expression profiles. This paper highlights a case report of DLBCL revisiting the intricacies and difficulties involved in establishing a diagnosis.