ecancermedicalscience

Case Report

Peripheral T-cell lymphoma of the lip: a rare case unveiling key insights into diagnosis and management

25 Sep 2025
Tooba Ali, Laraib Khan, Bilal Mazhar Qureshi, Asim Hafiz, Maria Tariq, Khurram Minhas, Nasir Ali, Ahmed Nadeem Abbasi

Peripheral T-cell lymphomas (PTCLs) represent a rare and heterogeneous group of lymphoproliferative disorders, accounting for about 10% of non-Hodgkin lymphomas. While PTCLs typically present at nodal sites, extra nodal involvement is uncommon, particularly in the oral cavity. This case report presents a rare instance of peripheral T-cell lymphoma, not otherwise specified (PTCL-NOS), manifesting as a persistent lesion on the lower lip in a 70-year-old male patient. The patient underwent multiple biopsies, which required immunohistochemical staining to confirm the diagnosis. Initial histopathological examinations raised suspicion of a lymphoproliferative disorder, with further testing revealing a 4.5 × 1.5 × 2.8 cm Fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG)-avid lesion on positron emission tomography (PET)/CT. The lesion was confirmed to be PTCL-NOS, characterised by positive CD3 and CD56 markers and a high Ki-67 proliferative index. Treatment involved six cycles of CHOEP chemotherapy followed by consolidative radiation therapy, delivering a total dose of 36 Gy. The patient responded well to treatment, with an interim PET scan showing a complete metabolic response (Deauville score of 3). Follow-up visits confirmed the absence of residual or recurrent disease. A teleconsultation a 6-month post-radiotherapy, along with an examination by a plastic surgeon, also showed no signs of recurrence. This case highlights the diagnostic challenges associated with PTCL at rare non-nodal sites and underscores the importance of a multidisciplinary approach in managing such cases. The patient remains in remission, with ongoing surveillance recommended for up to 5 years to monitor for potential disease recurrence. Further studies and long-term follow-up of similar cases are warranted to better understand the behaviour and optimal treatment strategies for PTCLs in rare extra nodal locations.

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