Primary Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma of the temporal bone: A rare case report

Introduction Primary lymphoma of the temporal bone is extremely rare, difficult to diagnose and to manage. It is essential that the clinician keeps in mind the possibility of this pathology as a differential diagnosis with the infections resistant to the usual treatment. Case report We report a rare case of a diffuse large B-cell lymphoma in a 70-year-old- woman, with history of diabetes. The pathological study was in favor of a Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma of the Temporal Bone. Discussion Lymphomas defined as malignant monoclonal proliferation of lymphoid cells, are not uncommon in the head and neck region. Literature presents with few cases. Conclusion The aim of this article is to report a rare case of a diffuse large B-cell lymphoma with primary mastoid and external auditory canal infiltration without systemic involvement initially presented as a benign ear infection.
Highlights • Lymphomas defined as malignant monoclonal proliferation of lymphoid cells, are not uncommon in the head and neck region. • Primary lymphoma of the temporal bone is extremely rare. • Difficult to diagnose and to manage. • The diagnosis is confirmed after a biopsy with anatomopathological examination.