Extranodal NK/T-Cell Lymphoma
Pronunciation: ex-trah-NOH-dul en-kay/tee-sel lim-FOH-mah
An aggressive EBV-associated lymphoma arising in extranodal sites, most frequently the nasal cavity and palate, with a predilection for angioinvasion and tissue necrosis.
Full Definition
Extranodal NK/T-cell lymphoma, nasal type, is an aggressive non-Hodgkin lymphoma strongly associated with Epstein–Barr virus (EBV) and characterised by angiocentric and angiodestructive growth that leads to extensive necrosis. It most commonly involves the nasal cavity, nasopharynx, and palate, and editors working on oral and maxillofacial pathology manuscripts must be aware of its distinct presentation from squamous cell carcinoma of the same region. The slash in 'NK/T-cell' is obligatory and must not be altered to a hyphen or omitted. Per WHO haematolymphoid tumour classification, the full designation should be used on first mention. Abbreviation to 'ENKL' or 'NKTCL' is seen in the literature and is acceptable after definition.
Usage
Usage note: The slash in 'NK/T-cell' is mandatory. 'Lethal midline granuloma' is an obsolete synonym that should not be used in modern clinical documents.
In Context
- "Biopsy of the necrotic palatal lesion revealed extranodal NK/T-cell lymphoma, nasal type, with strong EBER in situ hybridisation positivity." — Biopsy report
- "The slash in 'NK/T-cell' is not interchangeable with a hyphen; editors must preserve the original punctuation as it reflects dual cell lineage." — Copyediting style note