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Benign lymphoepithelial lesion: a less than benign disease
Clinical Otolaryngology and Allied Sciences
|February 1, 1986
Summary
Benign lymphoepithelial lesions (BLL) are often found in the parotid gland, predominantly in females. A significant 20% of BLL cases developed lymphomas, a higher incidence than in Sjogren's syndrome patients.
Area of Science:
- Pathology
- Oncology
- Rheumatology
Background:
- The clinical significance of benign lymphoepithelial lesions (BLL) remains incompletely understood.
- BLL commonly affects salivary glands, particularly the parotid gland.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review cases of BLL and analyze their clinical presentation, associated autoimmune conditions, and malignant transformation.
- To determine the incidence of lymphomas in patients with BLL.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective review of 36 BLL cases reported to the British Salivary Gland Tumour Panel (1971-1984).
- Analysis of patient demographics, gland involvement, associated autoimmune diseases (sicca complex, Sjogren's syndrome, rheumatoid arthritis), and development of lymphomas or carcinomas.
Main Results:
- Eighty percent of BLL cases occurred in the parotid gland, with 83% in females; the mean age was 55.26 years.
- Only 50% of patients presented with or developed sicca complex or Sjogren's syndrome.
- Lymphoma (salivary or extra-salivary) developed in 20% of BLL cases, a rate significantly higher than in Sjogren's patients. Three lymphoma cases had rheumatoid arthritis but not sicca or Sjogren's syndrome. One case showed carcinoma within the BLL.
Conclusions:
- Benign lymphoepithelial lesions (BLL) have a higher association with lymphoma development than previously reported, especially in patients without Sjogren's syndrome.
- The findings suggest BLL may serve as a precursor or indicator for lymphomatous transformation, necessitating careful monitoring.
- Rheumatoid arthritis, in the absence of sicca symptoms, was noted in some BLL patients who developed lymphoma.