Lymphoma masquerading as jaw pain, headache, and syncope

Abstract

Background

Lymphomas of parapharyngeal space often have complex manifestations, posing a diagnostic dilemma for clinicians.

Case Description

A 64-year-old man sought treatment for a 4-month history of unresolving right-sided headache and jaw pain associated with syncope, all of which started with a toothache. Since the onset of pain, the patient had undergone multiple diagnostic tests with various specialists, with no pain relief. A detailed clinical and radiologic examination by an orofacial pain specialist revealed diffuse large B-cell lymphoma in the parapharynx.

Practical Implications

A thorough knowledge of the head and neck anatomy helps in identifying the pathophysiology of complex orofacial pain manifestations, which assists in early diagnosis and treatment.