Korean J Otorhinolaryngol-Head Neck Surg.  2023 Jul;66(7):480-484. 10.3342/kjorl-hns.2022.00248.

Nasopharyngeal DLBCL Misdiagnosed as a Nasal Polyp in an 84-Year-Old Patient: A Case Report

• Bang JH
• Lee JH
• Son SY
• Lee KH

• KMID: 2544680
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.3342/kjorl-hns.2022.00248

Abstract

Malignant lymphoma is a malignant tumor that occurs in the lymphocytes but can also occur anywhere in the body. On the other hand, malignant lymphomas originating from the nasopharyngeal space are very rare. We experienced a case of 84-year-old female patient with a huge nasopharyngeal mass, who had no complaints other than right nasal congestion, intermittent rhinorrhea, and sneezing. A physical examination revealed a large, polypoid, transparent mass at her right nasal cavity. Nasal polyp was suspected and endoscopic sinus surgery was performed. On histological examination, she was diagnosed with diffuse large B cell lymphoma, with CD20, BCL-2, and BCL-6 positive. Low dose maintenance chemotherapy was carried out in consideration of the patient’s age. A complete remission is expected based on the imaging tests following chemotherapy. We report a huge malignant lymphoma that occurred in an elderly patient’s nasopharyngeal space and successful low dose chemotherapy with a review of literature.

Keyword

Diffuse large B cell lymphoma; Lymphoma; Maintenance chemotherapy; Nasopharynx neoplasm