A Case of Nasal NK Cell Lymphoma
A case of nasal lymphoma derived from natural killer (NK) cells is presented. A 72 - year-old woman complaining of left epistaxis visited our hospital. Anterior rhinoscopy revealed a light-red colored mass. Histopathological findings were indicative of malignant lymphoma (diffuse mixed, small and large cell type). Azurophilic granules were disclosed by Giemsa staining. Immunohistochemically, the tumor cells were positive for CD56, CD3 ε, and TIA-1, but negative for surface CD3. Genotypic analysis revealed no rearrangement of TCR β, γ, δ gese. Based on these findings, the tumor cells were suspected of NK cell lineage. We then performed combination chemotherapy and radiation therapy (46Gy). Her tumor was resolved on anterior rhinoscopy, CT and MRI examinations, and recurrence has not been observed during the 20 months to date. Our present study suggest that some nasal lymphomas are of NK cell lineage and radiation therapy may be effective for this type of lymphomas.
