Non-Hodgkin's lymphoma of nasal cavity and paranasal sinuses. A clinicopathological and immunohistochemical study.

Aim of this study was to investigate the clinical characteristics, management and prognosis of non-Hodgkin lymphomas of the nasal cavity and paranasal sinuses. Overall 12 patients with non-Hodgkin malignant lymphoma, at our Institute, were studied over an eight-year period from 1997 to 2005. Patients' data collected were age, sex, presenting signs and symptoms, histology, treatment, complications, and outcome. Also available were computerised tomography findings, and paraffin-embedded tissue bocks. Mean age was 62 years (range: 42-81), with a male dominance (male to female ratio: 7:5). Most patients had not presented any specific symptoms, such as nasal obstruction, headaches, epistaxis and facial swelling. Using immunocytochemistry on paraffin-embedded tissue sections, the predominance of large B-cell subtype was detected. Treatment administered: only radiotherapy (stage IEA) or in combination with chemotherapy (IIE-IVE). Of these patients, 5 died from the disease, 4 survived without disease, 2 survived with the disease, and one died of non-related causes. Non-Hodgkin's lymphomas are relatively rare. Early diagnosis, based mainly on tissue biopsy and computerised tomography, is essential in the management of non-Hodgkin lymphoma.