Primary lymphoma of the mandible

The mandible is an uncommon presentation site for lymphoma and misdiagnosis is common. Eleven patients with lymphoma of the mandible were seen between 1947 and 1983. In 5 of the 11 patients, the diagnosis of lymphoma could not be established from the initial biopsy and additional material for examination was required. In three patients, this resulted in a partial or total removal of the mandible. In a recent histopathologic review, the diagnosis of diffuse large cell was made in seven, diffuse undifferentiated (non-Burkitt's) in two, diffuse undifferentiated (Burkitt's) in one, and unclassified in one. Using the Ann Arbor method of staging, six patients were determined to have stage IE disease; three had stage IIE, and two had stage IV. In 10 patients definitive treatment consisted of radiotherapy, chemotherapy, or a combination of both. Treatment was limited to surgery in one patient. The 5-year overall and disease-free survival rates were 62% and 50%, respectively. These results are comparable to those for lymphoma of other extranodal head and neck sites.