Evaluation of clinical findings and radiological changes in individuals diagnosed with non-hodgkin lymphoma and investigation of bone micromarchitis by fractal analysis method

Non-Hodgkin lymphoma; Hodgkin Lymphoma is a general term that includes all lymphomas, consisting of different malignant neoplasms originating from B or T lymphocytes at different maturity stages, consisting of lymphatic tumors. Symptoms include painless enlarged lymph nodes, fever, malaise, and bone pain. NHL can be observed extranodal as it shows nodal involvement. Soft tissues in the oral cavity (gingiva, hard palate mucosa, cheek, tongue, floor of the mouth and lips) and jaw bones are extranodal areas of involvement. Non-Hodgkin lymphoma involving the jawbones may present with paresthesia, difficulty in swallowing, loosening of the teeth, and mucosal bleeding. Also NHL; It can be confused with conditions such as abscess, epithelial tumor or osteonecrosis of the jaw. In our study, clinical and radiological examination findings of NHL patients were recorded, and the effect of NHL on the jawbones was evaluated with fractal analysis. Our study consists of 4 groups consisting of a total of 112 people. Group 1: 11 newly diagnosed NHL patients who did not start treatment, Group 2: 33 patients diagnosed with NHL and receiving active treatment, Group 3: 34 patients diagnosed with NHL, whose treatment was completed and in remission for more than 6 months, Group 4: 34 healthy means volunteer. In the lymph node examination of the patients, it was observed that the presence of lymphadenopathy was higher in the active groups than in the remission group and the control group (p<0.05). Mandibular canal enlargement was examined on OPG and significant differences were observed between the groups (p<0.05). When the fractal dimension values formed as a result of the fractal analysis were examined, it was observed that the fractal dimension values were lower in the groups in which NHL disease was active compared to the participant group in remission and the control group. Based on the information obtained, we can say that NHL has an effect on the jaw bones. However, studies with larger numbers and longer follow-ups are needed to fully determine these effects.