Abstract
Extranodal NK/T cell lymphoma, nasal type rarely arises in the oral cavity. We report the case of a 55 year-old man who was referred to our hospital because of facial swelling. At presentation, a necrotizing ulcer was found on the left side of the anterior palatal gingiva. Computed tomography showed a soft tissue density in the left sinus, but no evidence of bone destruction. Because the necrotizing ulcer expanded rapidly for a few days, a malignant tumor was suspected. Immunohistochemical analyses of a biopsy specimen revealed that the tumor cells were positive for CD3ε, CD56, granzyme B, perforin, and TIA-1, and negative for CD20, CD79a, and AE1/AE3. Epstein-Barr virus-encoded small RNA -1 was detected on in situ hybridization. Based on these findings, the patient was given a diagnosis of extranodal NK/T cell lymphoma, nasal type. The patient received chemoradiotherapy. Treatment was effective, and a complete response was obtained temporarily. However, recurrence occurred, and the patient received secondary chemotherapy with CHOP and allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation. Thereafter, his general condition deteriorated rapidly, and the patient died approximately 3 months after recurrence.
