Extranodal nasal NK/T cell lymphoma

Definition

Extranodal nasal NK/T cell lymphoma (NKTCL) is a rare, malignant neoplasm mainly affecting men in the fifth decade of life, that usually arises in the nose, paranasal sinuses, orbits or upper airway, and that can present with a nasal mass, nasal bleeding, nasal obstruction, palate perforation (i.e. midline perforation of the hard palate), and mid-facial and/or upper airway destructive lesions. In advanced disease stages, which are associated with a poor prognosis, NKTCL may disseminate to other organs. A few cases of NKTCL presenting primarily in the lymph nodes have also been described.