Delayed Diagnosis Due to Septal Perforation in Patient with Extranodal Natural Killer/T-Cell Lymphoma, Nasal Type

Abstract

Extranodal natural killer (NK)/T-cell lymphoma, nasal type is a rare non-Hodgkin lymphoma originating in the nasal cavity or in the paranasal sinuses, and is etiologically closely related with the Epstein Barr Virus infection. It is more commonly found in East Asia, South America, and Mexico than in Europe or North America. Extranodal NK/T-cell lymphoma, nasal type typically shows a crust on the nasal mucosal surface, necrosis, and inflammation. Pathologically, it presents as significant vascular damage and destruction, with apparent tissue necrosis and cytotoxicity. These neoplasms are very aggressive and can show septal perforation, diffuse ulcer lesion on the nasal mucosa, fistula or epistaxis. We experienced a case of the extranodal NK/T-cell lymphoma, nasal type at the nasal septum, which was delayed in diagnosis due to septal perforation, which occurred after septoplasty in a 47-year-old female. Thus, we report this case with a review of literatures.