Lymphoid neoplasms of the oral cavity with plasmablastic morphology—a case series and review of the literature

Plasmablastic lymphoma (PBL) is a rare aggressive variant of large B-cell lymphoma defined as a proliferation of large neoplastic plasmablasts/immunoblasts. PBL was first described as a distinct entity in a group of 16 patients with lymphoma of the oral cavity. Most patients are HIV-positive men. The disease has also been reported in other patient groups, often in association with primary or other acquired immunodeficiency. PBL shows a predilection for the oral cavity, although extraoral involvement also occurs. Because of its rarity, unique clinical features, and overlapping morphologic/immunophenotypic features, care must be taken to distinguish PBL from diffuse large B-cell lymphoma and plasma cell neoplasms with plasmablastic features. We report 3 cases of neoplasms with plasmablastic histomorphology involving the oral cavity. The relevant clinical, morphologic, and immunophenotypic features and treatment are presented, along with a review of the literature.