Cases of extranodal lymphoma in the head and neck region

Abstract

18544 Background: Primary extranodal lymphomas of the head and neck region constitute 10–20% of all NHLs. Since they are frequently encountered as localised disease, radiotherapy accounts for the important part in the treatment although other modalities are also available. Cases with the diagnosis of primary extranodal lymphomas of the head and neck region, who administered to our clinic were evaluated retrospectively and presented here. Materials and Methods: Total 13 patients who administered to the Radiation Oncology Clinic of Kartal Education and Research Hospital between years 2000 and 2005, with the diagnosis of primary extranodal lymphoma of the head and neck region were enrolled into the study. All information was gathered from the patients‘ files and evaluated in the electronic environment. Results: Median age was 61 (36–80). Nine patients (69%) were female, and 4 patients (41%) were male. Primary site was found to be tonsil in 8 cases (61%), nasopharynx in 4 cases (30%), and thyroid in one case (7%). Of the 13 cases, 5 (38%) had stage 1, 4 (30%) stage II, 3 (23%) stage III, and 1 (9%) stage IV diseases. Histological type was diffuse large B-cell lymphoma in 8 patients (7 originating from tonsil, 1 from thyroid), T-cell lymphoma in 2 patients (originating from nasopharynx), poorly differentiated histiocytic lymphoma in 1 patient (originating from nasopharynx), and diffuse mixed large B-cell and small B-cell lymphoma in 1 patient. Therapeutic approach was CT+RT in 7 cases, CT+RT+surgery in 3 cases, CT+ surgery in 1 case, RT+ surgery in 1 case, and CT alone in 1 case. Total 44 Gy RT was performed in 22 fractions to involved fields and regional lymph nodes by using cobalt 60 machine. Median 4 cycles of CT that consisted of CHOP were performed to the patients. Of the 13 patients 10 are still under control with no medical problem. One patient with stage 4 disease was lost under treatment after 3 cycles of CT. One case with nasopharyngeal lymphoma was referred due to progression after 2 series of CT, and died 1 month after palliative RT. One case with stage IB tonsil lymphoma received 2 cycles of CT+ RT+ 2 cycles of CT, and died of other medical reason during her 12th month follow up period. Conclusion: Primary extranodal lymphomas of the head and neck region constitute a heterogeneous group of patients, and RT represents an important part of the treatment. No significant financial relationships to disclose.