A case of extranodal NK-/T-cell lymphoma of nasal type, suggested by skin lesions and large granular lymphocytes in peripheral blood

Abstract

We report a case of extranodal NK-/T-cell lymphoma of the nasal type (ENKTL), with bone marrow involvement in a 26-year-old female. One of the authors collected the patient’s blood sample and found lesions on the skin of her arms and knew that the skin lesions were initially purpura-like and gradually enlarged as big as a hen’s egg, and became ulcerated. Other similar skin lesions appeared in the abdomen, lumbar region and lower legs. Malignant lymphoma was suspected from these signs, and many large granular lymphocytes (LGLs) were found in her blood sample. These lines of evidence were immediately reported to a hematologist. Histologically, LGLs diffusely infiltrated in the dermis and subcutaneous tissue, as well as the bone marrow. Finally, the patient was diagnosed as having skin ENKTL.