Low-grade B-cell lymphoma presenting as a uvular mass

December 31, 2012 by Ryan Walker, MD; Ryan Heffelfinger, MD
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Abstract

Uvular enlargement may occur acutely as a result of infection, allergy, or trauma. Squamous cell carcinoma may present as a progressively enlarging uvular mass. Primary MALT (mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue) lymphoma of the uvula and a neuroendocrine tumor of the parapharyngeal space presenting as a uvular mass have each been previously described in the literature. Here we present a case of low-grade B-cell lymphoma presenting as a uvular mass in a 55-year-old patient with progressive throat swelling and dysphagia.

IntroductionUvular enlargement is a rare but serious finding, and it can rapidly progress to upper airway obstruction and respiratory distress. Reported etiologies of acute uvular edema-also known as Quincke edema-include infectious, allergic, traumatic, and hereditary. Infectious causes include Haemophilus influenzae, and patients may present with concurrent epiglottitis.1

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