Benign Reactive Lymphoid Hyperplasia of the Caruncle and Plica: Report of Five Cases

PURPOSE: To report the clinical and histopathologic features of five cases of benign reactive lymphoid hyperplasia (BRLH) of the caruncle and plica semilunaris. PATIENTS AND FINDINGS: Over a period of ten years, five patients with fish-flesh pinkish mass lesions in the caruncle and plica semilunaris were referred for evaluation. After performing systemic work-up, all lesions were treated by surgical excision. The appearance and clinical course was compatible with BRLH; histopathologic and immunohistochemical evaluations confirmed this diagnosis. The patients were followed for 2-108 months and no recurrence or complications were observed during this period. CONCLUSION: BRLH must be considered in the differential diagnosis of pinkish mass lesions of the caruncle and plica semilunaris. Histopathologic and immunohistochemical evaluation should be performed to rule out lymphoma. Surgical excision seems to be appropriate and does not entail complications in the short-term.