Nasal NK/T cell lymphoma mimicking a squamous cell carcinoma: a case report

A 48 year old female presented with extensive ulceration of the nasal septum of 8 months duration. Investigations confirmed the local nature of the disease. A biopsy revealed large zones of ischemic necrosis and abnormal lymphoid cells invading vessel walls and glandular structures. Florid squamous metaplasia, and pseudoepitheliomatous hyperplasia of mucosal epithelium mimicked squamous cell carcinoma and necrotising sialometaplasia. Immunohistochemistry and insitu hybridization confirmed the diagnosis of an EBV positive, Nasal NK/T cell lymphoma. A Pubmed/Medline search suggests that this is the first documented case from India.