Nasopharyngeal Lymphoma

Epidemiology

Primary lymphoma of the nasopharynx is uncommon and is more commonly seen in conjunction with systemic disease. Nasopharyngeal lymphoma affects all age groups but is more commonly encountered in middle-aged and older individuals. The majority of these tumors belong to the non-Hodgkin’s group.

Clinical Findings

Patients with primary nasopharyngeal lymphoma may present with nasal stuffiness, obstruction, headaches, or fever of unknown origin.

Pathology

Histologic classification of non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma (NHL) is notoriously difficult but newer techniques for classification such as immunologic phenotyping, nucleic acid analysis with flow cytometry, and molecular genetics. These techniques may help explain the diversity of the morphological appearances. One of the most popular classifications is the Rappaport system, which is based on pattern of involvement and cellular appearance. In general, nodular lymphomas have a more indolent course compared with the diffuse variety.