Background: We report a case of Rosai-Dorfman disease (RDD) presenting as an oropharyngeal mass, and we provide a detailed discussion of this rare clinical entity.
Methods: An initial biopsy, described as being consistent with lymphoma, was reviewed at a second outside institution and was thought to be reactive lymphoid hyperplasia. The patient then presented to our institution for a second opinion. Direct laryngoscopy revealed a firm 1- to 2-cm lesion involving the left soft palate and superior tonsillar pillar.
Results: The diagnosis of RDD was confirmed with immunohistochemical staining on both cytology and histology. The patient elected conservative management and has remained asymptomatic for over 15 months.
Conclusion: The diagnosis of RDD may be challenging in cases presenting initially with extranodal disease. Close follow-up and repeat biopsies may be necessary. Identification of Rosai-Dorfman cells with emperipolesis and confirmation with appropriate immunohistochemical staining on both cytology and histology is diagnostic of RDD. Conservative treatment is appropriate in select cases.
Copyright © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.