A case of MALT lymphoma arising from the minor salivary glands of the buccal mucosa with Sjögren's syndrome-associated autoantibodies

Mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue (MALT) lymphoma is an extranodal low-grade lymphoma found mainly in the gastrointestinal tract. However, it rarely occurs in the oral cavity. A case of MALT lymphoma arising in the minor salivary glands of the buccal region is reported. A 21-year-old woman was referred to our department because of a swelling in the left buccal mucosa. Clinically, the mass was elastic hard and painless, but did not adhere to the skin or oral mucosa. After resection of the mass, it was diagnosed to be a malignant lymphoma arising in the buccal gland. The lymphoma was classified as MALT type on the basis of histopathological and immunohistochemical findings. Further evaluation suggested that the patient might have Sjogren's syndrome. An association of the MALT lymphoma with Sjogren's syndrome was suggested. Six months after treatment, there was no evidence of recurrence.