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Plasmablastic Lymphoma in a Previously Undiagnosed Aids Patient: A Case Report

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Abstract

Background Plasmablastic lymphoma (PBL) is an unusual non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL) most commonly found in the head and neck region. The majority of cases are seen in adult HIV-positive patients, although PBL has been reported in HIV-negative patients. The diagnosis of PBL serves as an AIDS-defining illness. Methods We report a case of PBL localized to the oral cavity in a previously undiagnosed AIDS patient. The lesion manifested as solitary, ulcerated, and markedly tender. PBL was confirmed by immunohistochemical profile and subsequent tests confirmed AIDS diagnosis. The patient was prescribed highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) and concomitant local low dose radiation therapy prior to initiation of chemotherapy. Results Complete local clinical response was observed after 4 weeks of treatment with HAART and radiation therapy. The response sustained in this patient in the subsequent 11 months following diagnosis. Conclusions The diagnosis of PBL has a unique immunophenotypic profile and should raise suspicion for AIDS in these patients. HAART added to treatment has shown improved survival.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Otolaryngology—Head and Neck Surgery, University of Tennessee at Memphis, Health Science Center, 920 Madison St., S. 409, Memphis, TN, 38103, USA

    Francisco O. Vieira, Glenn B. Williams & Courtney B. Shires

  2. The Med Regional Medical Center, Memphis, TN, 38103, USA

    Francisco O. Vieira & Nadeem Zafar

  3. Department of Radiation Oncology, University of Tennessee Cancer Institute, Memphis, TN, 38103, USA

    Omar El Gandour

  4. Department of Hematology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, 55905, USA

    Francis K. Buadi

  5. Department of Pathology, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, TN, 38163, USA

    Nadeem Zafar

Authors
  1. Francisco O. Vieira
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  2. Omar El Gandour
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  3. Francis K. Buadi
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  4. Glenn B. Williams
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Correspondence to Francisco O. Vieira.

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Vieira, F.O., El Gandour, O., Buadi, F.K. et al. Plasmablastic Lymphoma in a Previously Undiagnosed Aids Patient: A Case Report. Head and Neck Pathol 2, 92–96 (2008). https://doi.org/10.1007/s12105-008-0058-1

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s12105-008-0058-1

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