VERY LATE RELAPSE IN HODGKIN DISEASE: OUTCOME OF PATIENT RELAPSING MORE THAN 24 YEARS AFTER PRIMARY CHEMO- AND RADIOTHERAPY ON RARE LOCATION

Abstract

Late Hodgkin disease refers to a recurrence of the disease after a period of remission (absence of disease symptoms). It can occur as a de novo (new) malignant neoplasma or as a relapse of the old disease. In some cases, late Hodgkin disease may be a new disorder that is not related to the original disease. This can occur if the patient was not properly treated for the original disease, or if the patient's immune system was compromised and developed something new. In other cases, late Hodgkin disease may be a relapse of the original disease. This means that the disease has come back after a period of remission.

We present a case of a 27-year-old male with HD after 24 years of period of complete remission of the initial disease. This very rare relapse of HD was presented on gingivae like an extranodal involvement which is less commonly found than in other lymphomas. The histopathological analysis of the gingivae during the relapse showed presence of another subtype of Hodgkin disease - nodular lymphocyte predominant (NLPHL) on a rare location. It is important for patients to follow their treatment plan closely and to continue to see their healthcare provider for follow-up care after treatment. Our case illustrates that Hodgkin lymphoma can also appear in soft tissue masses such as gingivae and is more refractory to the standard therapeutical approach.