Extranodal NK / T-cell lymphoma with cutaneous involvement: ‘nasal’ vs. ‘nasal-type’ subgroups- a retrospective study of 18 patients

BACKGROUND: Extranodal natural killer T (NK/T) cell lymphoma is subcategorized into 'nasal' and 'nasal-type' NK/T-cell lymphomas according to the primary sites of anatomical involvement. OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to characterize the cutaneous manifestations of the skin involving extranodal NK/T-cell lymphoma and to define the distinctive features of 'nasal' and 'nasal-type'. In addition, the prognostic factors that affect overall survival were investigated. METHODS: A retrospective case study of 18 patients with extranodal NK/T-cell lymphoma with cutaneous involvement was performed. RESULTS: The NK/T-cell lymphomas usually occurred in middle-aged, male patients. Most of the patients presented with either cellulitis or ulcer. A facial predilection for the location of the lesion was noted. The characteristic features of the 'nasal-type' compared with the 'nasal' were a localized involvement of the skin, less aggressive clinical course and better survival outcome. CONCLUSIONS: Extranodal NK/T-cell lymphomas are extremely aggressive regardless of their subgroup. However, the 'nasal-type' NK/T-cell lymphoma was clinically less aggressive, more localized and had a better outcome compared with the other type. Cellulitis and ulcer were the major cutaneous manifestations.