Primary laryngeal T/NK-cell lymphoma, nasal-type: an unusual location for an aggressive subtype of extranodal lymphoma

Abstract

Primary haematopoietic neoplasms of the larynx constitute less than 1% of all laryngeal tumours. Most of them are extramedullary plasmocytomas, diffuse large B-cell lymphomas, or MALT-type marginal zone B-cell lymphomas. T- or NK-cell lymphomas have rarely been reported in this location. The diagnosis of laryngeal lymphomas is a challenge, due to the absence of clinical and gross differential criteria. A pathological study is required in all cases. We present hereby a primary laryngeal T/NK-cell lymphoma, nasal-type. The patient, of Mexican origin, presented with involvement of the epiglottis, both aryepiglottic folds, and cervical lymphadenopathies. Polychemotherapy was administrated with initial partial response, but rapid local progression and exitus followed six months after the diagnosis. The extranodal T/NK-cell lymphoma, nasal-type is a very aggressive subtype of extranodal lymphoma, usually located in the nasal cavity or in nearby sites. Primary involvement of the larynx is extremely unusual. The prognosis of extranasal cases of this type of lymphoma is poor, even when they are diagnosed in localized stages.