Primary natural killer/T cell lymphoma of the cervix: Case report and clinicopathological analysis

Abstract

Objective: To present pathological and molecular characterizations of a rare case that was diagnosed as nasal-type natural killer (NK)/T cell lymphoma primarily arising in the cervix. Case report: An Asian woman was admitted to hospital with a hysteromyoma, and laparotomy was performed. A large tumor of the uterus was found, which was limited to the cervix. Pathological examination showed NK/T cell lymphoma, which was supported by histological and immunohistochemical studies and was confirmed by evidence of Epstein–Barr virus infection. Less commonly, this case concerned a cytotoxic T cell phenotype, as molecular studies showed evidence of a clonal T cell receptor γ chain gene rearrangement. Microscopically, prominent and extensive necrosis was the distinctive feature of this case, which reminded us of considering it as a tumor. Conclusion: Primary NK/T lymphoma of the cervix is rare. Our experience in this case provided variable information on both pathological and molecular studies. This case may be of value in the differential diagnosis of lymphoid lesions and other small cell tumors of the cervix.

Keywords

• nasal type
• NK/T cell lymphoma
• uterine cervix