Case Report

Extra-nodal NK/T-cell lymphoma: colonic involvement and occult nasal primary

David Bunting, Lukasz Szczebiot, Anton Kruger and Ponnandai Arumugam
World journal of Minimal Access Surgery 2013, 2:3

Abstract

This review aims to summarise the published literature on extranodal natural killer/T-cell lymphoma using a case report as a working example. Extranodal natural killer/T-cell lymphomas are rare, particularly in western countries and usually associated with Epstein-Barr infection. They most commonly affect the upper aerodigestive tract but can present at distant sites as primary lesions or as disseminated disease. The diagnosis of extranodal natural killer/T-cell lymphoma is often made at an advanced stage and prognosis is generally poor. A case of disseminated, upper aerodigestive tract extranodal natural killer/T-cell lymphoma affecting the colon initially treated by laparoscopic right hemicolectomy is presented. Follow up at one year following surgery demonstrated no residual disease. Surgery is rarely indicated in the management of extranodal natural killer/T-cell lymphoma but in selected cases it may offer potentially curative treatment in combination with chemotherapy and radiotherapy.

Key words:

lymphoma, extra nodal, natural killer cells, colon, colectomy

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