Extranodal NK/T-cell lymphoma in adolescents: imaging findings of a consecutive 7-year case series

OBJECTIVES: Extranodal NK/T-cell lymphoma is reportedly a rare but emerging type of lymphoma in adolescents. The present study was performed to specify its imaging characteristics. METHODS: Our hospital’s picture archiving and communication systems were searched from January 2009 to December 2016. We identified 13 patients aged <18 years with pathologically confirmed extranodal NK/T-cell lymphoma in the head and neck region. The computed tomography and magnetic resonance images were reviewed to summarize the imaging characteristics of extranodal NK/T-cell lymphoma in adolescents. RESULTS: The mean age at onset was 15.2 ± 1.46 years (range, 12–17 years) with a male:female ratio of 1.17:1.00. Most of the patients (n = 10) displayed nasal cavity and/or paranasal involvement. The tumor was homogeneous in both computed tomography and magnetic resonance images and showed slight enhancement. No calcification or liquefactive necrosis was observed. Adjacent structures were usually involved. CONCLUSION: Suggestive imaging characteristics could acquaint specialists with extranodal NK/T-cell lymphoma in adolescents, facilitating improved early recognition of the diagnosis and helping to improve the patient’s outcome.