Primary laryngeal natural killer/T-cell lymphoma - Report of a rare case

Abstract

Background. Natural killer (NK)/T-cell lymphoma involving the larynx is a rare entity, and its clinical picture has not been described. Methods and Results. A 73-year-old man had a granulomatous tumor involving the larynx. Multiple biopsies over 1 year were needed to reach an accurate diagnosis of NK/T-cell lymphoma. This patient died of the disease despite the use of chemotherapy. Conclusion. To the best of our knowledge, this is the second case of primary laryngeal NK/T-cell that illustrates its clinical picture. In the early stage of the disease, this type of tumor can present as granulous tumor-like lesion without a definite destructive lesion. This tumor type should be kept in mind in tumors that are difficult to diagnose, especially in Asian populations. ©2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.