The primary role of the otolaryngologist in managing pediatric sinonasal malignancies: an extranodal NK/T-cell lymphoma originating from the inferior turbinate mucosa of the nasal cavity

The primary role of the otolaryngologist in managing patients with a sinonasal malignancy is to make an early diagnosis. However, this can be difficult because of the relatively nonspecific signs and symptoms associated with the progress of the disease, especially in the pediatric population. Recently, we observed a nasal extranodal natural killer/T-cell lymphoma in a 12-year-old girl with a 6-month history of right nasal obstruction. Her symptom worsened gradually despite medical treatment at a private hospital. Endoscopic examination revealed ulcerative changes and hypertrophy of the right inferior turbinate mucosa. The histopathology and immunohistochemical staining of a punch biopsy confirmed the diagnosis. In this case, we emphasize the importance of a complete endoscopic examination of the nasal cavity in a pediatric patient with unilateral nasal symptoms and the possible necessity of referral to an otolaryngologist to prevent misdiagnosis and management of the pathology as benign.