Nasal T/NK-cell lymphoma (lethal midline granuloma), an aggressive neoplasia. Report of a case

Abstract

Nasal T-cell / NK lymphoma is an uncommon aggressive neoplasm with male predi- lection. It represents 1.5% of the total number of non-Hodgkin’s lymphomas, the most affected age group is 40-80 years. Its etiology is unknown but has been associated with the Epstein Barr virus. We present the case of a female patient of 40 years, with pain and induration of the right nostril associated with fetid secretion, seropurulent of 3 months of evolution. Histopathological study, reports T-cell / NK nasal lymphoma. The patient receives chemotherapy, with substantial clinical improvement. T / NK lymphoma is a neoplasm with predominant non-specific symptomatology, affecting the nasopharynx, tonsils and base of the tongue. Among the manifestations we find sore throat, nasal obstruction, rhinorrhea, epistaxis and headache. Diagnosis is suspected with imaging, but histological confirmation with immunohistochemical markers CD45Ro, CD43, CD3, CD2, CD45Ro, among others is required. Many cases are usually detected in the late phase, when radiological signs of bone destruction are already visible. The differential diagnosis includes infectious or inflammatory lesions, the fungal ball was the initial diagnosis made in this patient. Treatment is usually done with radiotherapy and che- motherapy.