Unusual presentation for small lymphocytic lymphoma: Case report of a man with bilateral ear involvement and review of the literature.

INTRODUCTION

Ear involvement by non-Hodgkin lymphoma is quite rare and can be mistaken for other common lesions encountered in otolaryngology. The literature on this subject is also limited.

CASE SUMMARY: A 45-year-old man with bilateral ear nodules that progressed over two years. Biopsy of the right ear revealed a B-cell small lymphocytic lymphoma (SLL). The patient responded to radiotherapy well. He received an additional dose two months after the initial treatment because of a remaining nodularity on the right earlobe. After several months, he presented a new lesion on his nasal tip, for which a biopsy confirmed a lymphoma relapse. The patient was managed with oral prednisone and low-dose radiation with a favourable response.

DISCUSSION: This case highlights the importance of including lymphoma in the differential diagnosis of ear lesions from an otolaryngology perspective. A biopsy of any lesion or nodule with an atypical course should be considered for appropriate diagnosis and management.