RESUMO
BACKGROUND: Non-Hodgkin's lymphomas (NHL) originated in the otorhinolaryngological (ORL) area are rare diseases and its therapy is poorly established. METHODS: The diagnostic features, treatment and outcome based on therapy of 34 NHLs originated in the ORL area and seen in the Oncology Service from the Hospital de la Santa Creu i Sant Pau during a ten year period were reviewed. RESULTS: The predominant primary localization was the tonsil (17 patients), followed by rhinopharynx (8), massive involvement of Waldeyer's ring (4), and oropharynx, maxillary sinus and larynx in the remaining cases. In 26 patients the diagnosis was high-grade lymphoma. The stage distribution was 8 patients (24%) in stage I, 16 in stage II (47%), 3 in stage III (9%), and 5 in stage IV (16%). The treatment was heterogeneous and consisted in chemotherapy in 29 patients (38%), radiotherapy in 5 (15%) or the combination of both in 16 (47%). Eleven patients relapsed (38%), more commonly those treated with radiotherapy. The specific actuarial survival was 69%. CONCLUSIONS: NHL originated in the ORL area are uncommon neoplastic diseases, with a commonly dramatic response to chemotherapy. This should be the initial therapeutic modality in all cases.
