HIGHLY AGGRESSIVE LYMPHOMA AFFECTED THE PATIENT’S JAW: DOCTORS ACHIEVED A RAPID RESPONSE TO THERAPY

A 42‑year‑old patient, Ivan, noticed a small lump in the area of his submandibular lymph node, which started to grow rapidly. Initially, the situation did not appear typical for cancer: specialists also considered a possible dental pathology. However, further examination revealed that it was an aggressive form of lymphoma.

Over several months, the mass significantly increased in size and began to cause severe pain. After his condition worsened, Ivan independently sought help at the National Medical Research Radiological Centre of the Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation, where he underwent a comprehensive examination and received an accurate diagnosis.

«Burkitt’s lymphoma is a highly malignant tumour belonging to the group of non‑Hodgkin’s lymphomas, » says Artem Vovchenko, an oncologist at the Department of Hematology and Chemotherapy of the A. Tsyb Medical Radiological Research Centre (MRRC) – the branch of the FSBI “National Medical Research Radiological Centre” (NMRRC) of the Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation. «The primary focus can be located not only in the lymph nodes, but also in various organs and tissues: in the bones of the facial skeleton, stomach, intestines, and mammary glands. This disease is characterized by very aggressive local growth and rapid spread throughout the body».

By the time he came to the national center, the tumor process had completely affected the lower jaw. Due to the severe damage, Ivan had almost lost the ability to speak normally and eat, which led to serious exhaustion of the body. After an emergency interdisciplinary consultation, the patient was hospitalized in the hematology department the very next day.

For treatment, the R‑EPOCH regimen was chosen — one of the intensive chemotherapy protocols used for aggressive lymphomas.

«After the first cycle, we managed to achieve a pronounced response to therapy: the tumour volume decreased by approximately 70 %», notes Artem Vovchenko. «Today, the patient can speak normally again, eat properly, and is gradually returning to his usual life». Ivan is currently continuing his treatment and admits that, for the first time in a long while, he has felt real relief. «During these months, I got so used to living with constant pain that the ability to speak and eat normally again, and simply to feel like a regular person, has become a great happiness for me. I am committed to continuing the treatment and have high hopes for a good outcome», – says the patient.