MALT Lymphoma of the Tongue in a Patient with Sjögren’s Syndrome: A Case Report and Literature Review

Abstract

Sjögren’s syndrome (SS) is a systemic chronic autoimmune disorder characterized by lymphocytic infiltration of the exocrine glands, as well as oral and ocular dryness. Among the late complications, malignant lymphoma is the most serious complication of SS. The risk of lymphoma in patients with SS has been estimated to be approximately 7–19 times higher than that in a generally healthy population. Although various histologic subtypes of lymphoma can occur in patients with SS, mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue (MALT) lymphoma accounts for 48–75% of malignant lymphomas that are frequently located in the parotid gland. However, MALT lymphoma affecting the tongue in patients with SS is extremely rare. Here, we share our experience with a unique case of MALT lymphoma of the tongue, originating from the minor salivary gland tissue in a patient with SS. Through this case report, we emphasize that MALT lymphoma should be considered in the differential diagnosis of a tongue mass in patients with SS.