A Case Report of Non-Hodgkin Low-grade B-cell Mucosa-associated Lymphoid Tissue Lymphoma Presenting as a Suspected Endodontic Lesion

Abstract

Extranodal mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue lymphoma is a rare oral disease. This case report describes a 71-year-old woman who presented for endodontic evaluation and treatment for swelling on the right posterior palatal. The case details the evaluation and diagnostic processes and treatment course. The case report draws attention to the importance of performing a biopsy, having proper sampling, and the additional steps sometimes required to arrive at a definitive diagnosis. This case report is the first to document a definitive low-grade B-cell mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue lymphoma mimicking endodontic pathology. The case shows the importance of proper examination, clinical imaging, and pathologic testing to arrive at a definitive diagnosis. It highlights that collaboration with other medical and dental specialties is essential for appropriate diagnosis and treatment and describes the "buttonhole" diagnostic strategy.

Keywords: mucosal-associated lymphoid tissue non-Hodgkin lymphoma; palatal swelling; root resorption; “Buttonhole” diagnosis.