Lymphoma of the nose and paranasal sinuses

The records of 37 patients with lymphoma of the nose and paranasal sinuses in an 18-year period were studied. The symptoms were divided into three categories: (1) local symptoms: obstruction, bleeding, and rhinorrhea; (2) symptoms of invasion of adjacent structures: facial pain and ear fullness; and (3) systemic symptoms: fever, weight loss, and nocturnal sweating. The presence of an intranasal mass was the most common physical finding. Conventional tomography and computed tomography were helpful for diagnosis. Abnormalities were usually disclosed on biopsy specimens from the nose or mouth. As a rule, several sites in the nose and sinuses were involved. An early diagnosis of sinonasal lymphoma and other malignant neoplasms generally allows effective treatment; therefore, the otorhinolaryngologist should be alert for such disease and, if the clinical picture warrants, should add tomography to the diagnostic workup.