Lymphoepithelioma-like carcinoma of the submandibular salivary gland associated with Epstein–Barr virus in a North African woman

Excerpt

We report the first case of submandibular gland lymphoepithelioma-like carcinoma (LELC) associated with Epstein–Barr virus (EBV) infection in a North African woman. The patient is a 34-year-old woman with an 8-month history of a submandibular left mass. Physical examination revealed a firm, mobile and indolent submandibular gland mass, measuring 2×2 cm. The magnetic resonance imaging demonstrated a well-delineated tumor mass measuring 30 mm in antero-posterior diameter, with heterogeneous high-intensity signal on T2-weighted images and homogeneous enhancement after contrast product injection (Fig. 1). The contra lateral gland was normal. A submandibulectomy with excision of two lymph nodes was performed. Permanent sections established the diagnosis of LELC of the submandibular salivary gland with reactive lymph nodes. Further investigation consisted of negative random biopsies of the nasopharynx. No more therapy was added. The patient is well with a 40-month follow-up.

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