Anaplastic large cell anaplastic lymphoma kinase + non-Hodgkin lymphoma in a 10-year-old male discovered during dental visit: a case report.

Non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL) is rare in children, even if they are the third most frequent tumor. Management of a NHL child is complex and coordinate presence of haematologists, surgeons, radiotherapist, neurologists, psychologists and others expert personnel is required.   Our patient presented with a bulky mass, approximately 5 cm in diameter, which grew from his upper left maxilla bone, causing gum bulge, and thus left side of his face from lip to eye appeared swollen. A total body TC-PET exam revealed that the mass was growing in the mouth and in the maxillary bone, and that there were many bulky nodes both in the right and left neck. Histological H&E assessment revealed an anaplastic large-cell proliferation underlying epithelial tissue without epithelial infiltration.   The patient underwent a first cycle of chemotherapy according to the “International Protocol of ALCL”, the Maxillofacial Surgery Unit and the Dentistry Unit of the same hospital took care of his dental situation, to avoid infective foci could spread to the whole body.   After 1 year and 3 months from the first cycle of chemotherapy, a bulky splenic mass was discovered. Laparoscopic biopsy revealed a relapse of the ALK+ ALCL in a splenic node. The patient is now alive in good conditions, followed-up continuously by Pediatric and Emato-oncology Operative Unit of University Hospital of Parma.   Rapidity of action and a correct multidisciplinary (oncology-max...
Source: Head and Neck Oncology - Category: Cancer & Oncology Source Type: research