[New advances in the pathology and diagnostic challenges of extranodal NK/T-cell lymphoma]

Extranodal NK/T-cell lymphoma (ENKTL) is an Epstein-Barr virus (EBV)-associated extranodal lymphoma derived from NK or T cells. It exhibits strong geographical and ethnic predispositions and is relatively prevalent in China, making it one of the common lymphoma types in our country. Most cases of this tumor exhibit aggressive biological behavior, and timely, accurate pathological diagnosis is crucial for improving cure rates and patient prognosis. However, the tumor has a broad histopathological spectrum, diverse morphological features, and lacks specific immunomarkers, which can lead to misdiagnosis or underdiagnosis in some cases. Additionally, it is necessary to integrate clinical, imaging, and laboratory findings to differentiate ENKTL from a range of EBV-positive lymphoproliferative disorders. In recent years, with the continuous advancement of molecular biology technologies, significant progress has been made in the molecular genetic research of ENKTL. This article aims to summarize the latest advances in the pathological research of ENKTL, emphasizing the diagnostic challenges, pitfalls, and strategies to avoid them, thereby enhancing pathologists' understanding of this tumor and enabling precise diagnostic stratification.