A rare case of follicular lymphoma of the submandibular gland

Primary lymphoma of the salivary gland is rare, accounting for 4.7% of lymphomas overall. Furthermore, lymphomas arising in the submandibular gland are reported to comprise 9-16% of all salivary gland lymphomas. Among lymphomas originating from salivary glands, the ratio of follicular lymphoma is very low. A 58-year-old woman was referred to our hospital with a painless mass in the submandibular gland. Fine-needle aspiration biopsy showed class I findings. However, histological diagnosis indicated follicular lymphoma grade 1. The disease was considered stage IVA. Eight courses of chemotherapy were performed with rituximab, cyclophosphamide, adriamycin, vincristine, and prednisolone. This case achieved complete remission, but the patient should be followed carefully hereafter.