Human T-Lymphotropic Virus-1 Associated With Adult T-Cell Lymphoma: A Case Report

Cureus. 2024 Nov 15;16(11):e73769. doi: 10.7759/cureus.73769. eCollection 2024 Nov.

Abstract

Human T-cell lymphotropic virus 1 (HTLV-1) was subsequently identified as the cause of adult T-cell leukemia/lymphoma (ATLL). While oral manifestations of this disease have been documented, they remain poorly described in the literature. We present the case of a 32-year-old patient who exhibited facial and oral swelling in the upper jaw. Pathological examination confirmed a diagnosis of T-cell lymphoma, with immunohistochemical staining revealing HTLV-1 positivity. Following further diagnostic evaluation, the patient was classified as having stage IV HTLV-1-positive adult T-cell lymphoma. The patient underwent chemotherapy and bone marrow stem cell transplantation, which led to remission of both the oral lesion and the systemic disease. This condition can be highly aggressive, depending on the subtype and stage at diagnosis. To date, only five similar cases have been reported in the literature, with a generally poor survival rate. Therefore, early recognition is crucial for timely management and improved outcomes.

Keywords: adult t cell lymphoma; human t-cell lymphotropic virus type 1; oral manifestation; oral mucosal lesions; viruses.

Publication types

  • Case Reports