Benign Lymphoid Hyperplasia of the Tongue Base Causing Upper Airway Obstruction

Abstract

Severe benign lymphoid hyperplasia (LH) is unusual in the head and neck region, but the diagnosis of LH is of clinical importance as it may be confused with malignant lymphoma, both on clinical examination and pathologically. While the etiology is poorly understood, a number of previous theories exist, which are included here in the context of a literature review. In this paper we present a case of severe pharyngeal lymphoid hyperplasia causing airway obstruction and requiring tracheotomy and subsequent surgical debulking.

Nonneoplastic Tongue Swellings of Lymphatic and Lymphocytic Origin: Three Case Reports

“…The majority of existing head and neck reports are of hyperplasia in the oral cavity, namely, of the mucosa overlying the hard palate. The exact etiology is not clearly understood, but the reactive nature is strongly suggested [14]. …”

“…Occasionally, germinal centers may also be seen. Absence of cellular monotony and signs of malignancy supports the exclusion of lymphoma [13, 14]. …”

“…Although it has common clinical and histopathological features with oral carcinoma, it is benign in nature. It usually appears as painless malignant-like ulcer [13, 14]. …”

Unilaterally Enlarged Mandibular Foramina and Canal Associated With Hyperplastic Lymphatic Tissue of Inferior Alveolar Nerve: Case Report and Short Literature Survey

“…the orbit. However, lymphatic hyperplasia of the terminal branches of the trigeminal nerve is rare (83) and also in other head and neck regions a rare finding (84)(85)(86)(87).…”

Radiofrequency thermotherapy in the treatment of tongue base lymphoid hyperplasia: case report

“…Tongue base lymphoid hyperplasia, also known as pseudolymphoma, is an uncommon benign entity associated with a rapid increase in the abundance of lymphocytes contained within or outside of lymph nodes 1 . The aetiology is poorly understood, but a relationship with chronic irritation (e.g.…”