What are the symptoms of NKT cell lymphoma?

Generally, NKT-cell lymphoma, as a special type of lymphoma, commonly presents symptoms including nasal and facial/neck manifestations, enlarged lymph nodes, skin abnormalities, fever, and mucosal ulcers. The details are as follows:

1. Nasal and facial/neck symptoms: In most patients, the disease initially affects the nasal cavity, causing nasal congestion. This starts as intermittent but progresses to persistent as the condition worsens. It may also be accompanied by blood-tinged nasal discharge, dryness, and pain in the nasal cavity. Some patients may develop swelling in the face and neck, which in severe cases can affect vision or hearing.

2. Enlarged lymph nodes: Patients may feel swollen lymph nodes in areas such as the neck, armpits, and groin. The enlarged lymph nodes are usually firm in texture. They are mobile in the early stages but may later fuse into clusters. Most are non-tender upon palpation, although a few may cause mild tenderness.

3. Skin abnormalities: Some patients may develop skin lesions such as red patches or nodules. These patches may gradually enlarge and develop ulceration or crusting on the surface. Others may experience skin itching of varying severity, which can disturb sleep. Scratching can easily lead to secondary skin infections.

4. Fever: Patients often develop unexplained fever, typically intermittent low-grade fever. Some patients may develop high fever with body temperature exceeding 39°C. Fever may be accompanied by fatigue and loss of appetite. The fever pattern is usually irregular and responds poorly to common antipyretic medications.

5. Mucosal ulcers: In addition to the nasal cavity, mucosal ulcers may also appear in the oral cavity, pharynx, and other areas. These ulcers may gradually enlarge, have irregular edges, and cause significant pain, interfering with eating and swallowing. The ulcers heal slowly and are prone to recurrent exacerbations.

Patients experiencing the above symptoms should seek timely medical evaluation at a qualified hospital. After a definitive diagnosis, treatment such as chemotherapy or radiotherapy should be administered under medical guidance. Daily care should include maintaining clean skin and mucous membranes, avoiding scratching or irritating ulcerated areas, and ensuring adequate sleep.