Extranodal NK/T cell lymphoma, nasal type: CT imaging findings

Extranodal NK/T cell lymphoma (ENKTL), nasal type is a rare, aggressive disease affecting the midfacial and nasopalatal region in the head. The pathogenesis of the disease is unknown, but the disease has been linked to Epstein Barr virus (EBV) infection. Early diagnosis of the disease is the best way to increase the prognosis and quality of life in the patients. However, it is still a challenge to diagnose this disease earlier. Early sign and symptoms like nasal blockage and rhinorrhea of this disease mimic that of the benign nasal diseases and in the later stage, it is confused with other destructive nasal diseases. This disease is diagnosed histopathologically. Cytoplasmic CD3 (Epsilon), CD2 and CD56 antigens of NK and T cells are expressed by the diseased tissue. Pathologically, tumor cells surround the vessel in a circular manner sometime infiltrating the vessel itself and destroying it. CT and MRI scans are helpful in staging the disease and finding out the extent of destruction. Radiotherapy is used in the early stage of the disease with or without chemotherapy, but the later stage and relapse cases are treated with chemotherapy. Relapse rate is high in this disease.