Plasmablastic lymphoma in the paranasal sinus in a HIV positive patient : a rare entity

Abstract

Non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma (NHL) ranks second after Kaposi sarcoma in individuals who are infected with Human Immunodeficiency virus (HIV). Plasmablastic lymphoma (PBL) is a diffuse large B cell lymphoma (DLBCL), becoming increasingly more common in oral cavity of HIV patients. PBL has been a investigative and therapeutic challenge because of its atypical morphology, immunohistochemical profile and a clinical course which results in high rate of recurrence and demise. We have described a atypical case of PBL affecting the maxillary sinus extending to involve the ethmoid sinuses and nasal cavity in a HIV infected patient and a brief review of literature regarding PBL.