Lymphoma of the tympanic membrane in acquired immunodeficiency syndrome

Lymphoproliferative disease is more common in the immunocompromised host and can occur at unusual sites. Lymphomas of the temporal bone are rare. We present the first case of a large B-cell Lymphoma of the tympanic membrane in a patient with acquired immunodeficiency syndrome. The tympanic membrane is a site rich with antigen-presenting dendritic cells that may play an etiologic role in neoplastic transformation at this site. The staging, treatment and prognosis of an immunocompromised host afflicted with lymphoma is discussed. Future directions in improving survival include better therapy for the primary viral infection and less toxic therapy for the lymphoma.