Benign lymphoepithelial lesion of the minor salivary gland - A rare presentation as a palatal swelling

Abstract

Benign lymphoepithelial lesion (BLEL) is characterized by extensive lymphocytic infiltration of the major salivary glands and may be associated with Sjogren's syndrome or HIV infection. The involvement of the palatal minor salivary glands is extremely rare. We report an isolated case of BLEL affecting the palatal minor salivary glands, presenting as a palatal swelling in a 37-year-old female patient. Serological tests ruled out potential comorbid conditions. Cone-beam computed tomography showed a palatal soft-tissue mass with thinning of the adjacent cortical plates. A histopathological examination revealed salivary gland tissue with significant acinar destruction, dense lymphocytic infiltration and focal myoepithelial islands. Therefore, BLEL may be considered as a rare differential diagnostic possibility of a palatal soft-tissue mass lesion.

Keywords: Benign lymphoepithelial lesion; minor salivary gland; palate.

Figure 1

Intraoral photograph showing a single-diffuse swelling on the right side of the posterior hard palate with shallow superficial ulceration

Figure 2

Axial cone-beam computed tomography section showing a soft-tissue shadow in the right side of the hard palate

Figure 3

Coronal cone-beam computed tomography section showing thinning of the palatal cortical bone associated with a soft-tissue shadow on the right side

Figure 4

Low power view showing salivary gland acini and ductal structures exhibiting lymphocytic infiltration (H&E stain)

Figure 5

×10 magnification - salivary gland tissue showing significant acinar cell destruction and replacement with dense lymphocytic infiltration (H&E stain)

Figure 6

×40 magnification - high power view showing acinar cells, lymphocytic infiltrates and myoepithelial islands (H&E stain)