Extranodal natural killer/T cell lymphoma, nasal type in the middle cranial fossa: A case report

INTRODUCTION: Extranodal natural killer (NK)/T cell lymphomas, nasal type, are aggressive, non-Hodgkin lymphomas. Extranodal NK/T cell lymphomas, nasal type, involving the central nervous system (CNS) are rare; therefore, delayed diagnosis easily occurs and is associated with a poor prognosis. Early diagnosis and patented systemic chemotherapy are necessary. CASE PRESENTATION: We present a case of 34-year-old male with facial numbness and diplopia. He was diagnosed with extranodal NK/T cell lymphoma, nasal type, involving the CNS. The tumor, located in the right middle fossa, was subtotally removed, and 3 cycles of systemic chemotherapy were given. He later died of severe neutropenia and infection. CONCLUSION: NK/T cell lymphomas should be considered to be a potential cause of facial numbness and diplopia. A L-asparaginase-based regimen resulted in reasonable tumor suppression, but adverse effects, including fatal neutropenia, should be carefully considered.