Benign lymphoepithelial lesion and malignancy

Whereas most patients with benign lymphoepithelial lesion suffer from the involvement of a major salivary gland a number evolve into a clinical form of Sjögren's syndrome or Mikulicz's disease. In a small number development of malignant lymphomas, especially non-Hodgkin's lymphomas, have been described. Therefore, regular follow-up and appropriate histological evaluation of suspected areas in all patients with a benign lymphoepithelial lesion is indicated. Histologically, diagnosis of a non-Hodgkin's lymphoma may be difficult. Demonstration of a cell pattern, monoclonal for cytoplasmic Ig by means of the immunoperoxidase technique may facilitate the diagnosis. In this report we present the history of two cases out of our series with benign lymphoepithelial lesion who developed a non-Hodgkin's lymphoma.