Comparison of Clinical Characteristics of B Cell Lymphoma and NK/T cell Lymphoma of the Nose and Paranasal Sinuses

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: There are various subtypes in lymphoma of the nasal cavity and paranasal sinuses. This study aimed to compare the clinical differences between NK/T cell lymphoma and B cell lymphoma in the nose and paranasal sinuses. MATERIALS AND METHODS: From 1991 through 2003, 18 patients were diagnosed with lymphoma by histopathologic biopsy (NK/T cell 13 : B cell 5). We reviewed the medical records retrospectively regarding subjective symptoms, physical findings, and PNS CT findings. RESULTS: The most common symptom of NK/T cell lymphoma was nasal obstruction (8/13), and the main endoscopic finding was ulcerative small lesion. The PNS CT finding of NK/T cell lymphoma was homogenous, poorly enhanced, small mass. In contrast, the most common symptom of B cell lymphoma was periorbital swelling (2/5), and the main endoscopic finding was fungating mass. The PNS CT finding of B cell lymphoma was heterogenous, well-enhanced, large mass with bone destruction. The location of NK/T cell lymphoma was the inferior or middle turbinate in the nasal cavity, whereas the location of B cell lymphoma was the ethmoid or maxillary sinus. CONCLUSION: It is suggested that there may be significant clinical differences between NK/T cell lymphoma and B cell lymphoma in the sinonasal cavity.