Lymphoepithelioma-like carcinoma of oral cavity: report of three cases and literature review

Int J Oral Maxillofac Surg. 2002 Apr;31(2):212-8. doi: 10.1054/ijom.2001.0148.

Abstract

Lymphoepithelioma-like carcinoma is a rare tumour in the oral cavity and is characterized histologically by non-keratinizing, undifferentiated squamous cell carcinoma with lymphocytic infiltration. Three consecutive cases of intraoral lymphoepithelioma-like carcinoma are reported. A review of the literature reveals a similar biological behaviour to that of nasopharyngeal lymphoepithelioma: a high incidence of cervical nodal spread and remarkable radiosensitivity. Chemotherapy should be considered when nodal or distant metastases are present. The association of the Epstein-Barr virus with this tumour remains unclear but our experience suggests a positive correlation in Chinese individuals.

Publication types

  • Case Reports
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Aged, 80 and over
  • Carcinoma, Squamous Cell / pathology*
  • Carcinoma, Squamous Cell / virology
  • Female
  • Herpesvirus 4, Human / isolation & purification
  • Hong Kong
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Mandibular Neoplasms / pathology
  • Mandibular Neoplasms / virology
  • Middle Aged
  • Mouth Neoplasms / pathology*
  • Mouth Neoplasms / virology
  • Palatal Neoplasms / pathology
  • Palatal Neoplasms / virology
  • Palate, Soft