Benign lymphoid hyperplasia of the tongue masquerading as carcinoma: Case report and literature review

Lymphoid hyperplasia of the tongue is a very rare benign lymphoproliferative lesion that closely resembles carcinoma or lymphoma, clinically or histopathologically. A case of benign lymphoid hyperplasia (BLH) of the tongue is reported. Clinically this lesion presented as a painless ulcer, which mimicked carcinoma of the tongue. Microscopy showed typical histologic features of multiple germinal centers with a rim of small mature lymphocytes together with a mixed, mainly mononuclear infiltrate which clinched the diagnosis of benign lymphoid hyperplasia. This diagnosis averted extensive investigations and major surgery. The etiology of these lesions is unknown. Their distinction from carcinoma and lymphoma is discussed.