Primary T-cell lymphoblastic lymphoma in the middle ear

Abstract

T-cell lymphoblastic lymphoma (T-LBL) is a highly aggressive lymphoma characterized by precursor T-cell malignancy and lymphadenopathy or mediastinal involvement. We present the case of an 11-year-old boy with a diagnosis of middle ear T-LBL, which manifested as a headache, hearing loss and peripheral facial paralysis. The child was given intensive chemotherapy and had a complete response. To our knowledge, this is the first case reported in the literature of T-LBL originating in the middle ear. This case aims to help clinicians to be vigilant about the possibility of primary lesions at atypical sites in some special diseases.