MALT Lymphoma in Children: Case Report and Review of the Literature

Abstract

Mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue (MALT) lymphoma predominantly occurs in adults, and is rare in children. We report a case of MALT lymphoma involving minor salivary gland of the lip in an otherwise healthy 12-year-old boy. This is the second case report of MALT lymphoma of minor salivary gland in an immunocompetent child. Of 24 cases of MALT lymphomas in children reported in the English literature, parotid MALT lymphomas in human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) patients and H. pylori infection-associated gastric MALT lymphomas are the most common. As in adult cases, most MALT lymphomas in the pediatric age group are localized and follow an indolent clinical course, respond well to therapy, and have an excellent outcome.