Oral Cavity Plasmablastic Lymphoma in Patient without Human Immunodeficiency Virus Infection: Case Report

Abstract

Introduction: Plasmablastic lymphoma comprises a rare tumor, accounting for approximately 2% of non-Hodgkin lymphomas, with a higher prevalence in men, with a mean age of diagnosis of 50 years and aggressive evolution, its diagnosis is common in patients with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection, as well as Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) infection. Case report: Given the scarcity of data in the literature and the need for a better understanding of its diagnosis, management, and prognosis, the case of a male patient without HIV infection but with positive serology for EBV, diagnosed with plasmablastic lymphoma of the oral cavity mucosa is reported. The patient was treated for a periapical abscess approximately 30 days before the initial consultation with little improvement, progressing to mucosal ulceration. Due to suspicion of mucosal carcinoma, a biopsy was performed, revealing plasmablastic lymphoma, and treatment was initiated with CHOP chemotherapy regimen (cyclophosphamide, doxorubicin, vincristine, and prednisone). Approximately one month after starting the first cycle, the patient was admitted to the emergency room with a decline in general condition, mental confusion, fever, and septic shock due to febrile neutropenia refractory to supportive measures, ultimately resulting in death. Conclusion: A detailed description of plasmablastic lymphoma and its clinical course is important for providing information to the scientific community, given the limited data available on this aggressive disease.