2025, Volume 18, Issue 4, pp 344 – 350

Prognostic factors and relapse in nodal vs. extranodal non-Hodgkin lymphoma of the ENT region: a prospective cohort study

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Authors and Affiliations

Corresponding author Razvan Susan, Department of Family Medicine, Centre for Preventive Medicine, Victor Babes University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Timisoara, Romania; E-mail: razvansusan@umft.ro

Abstract

Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma (NHL) arising from the ear, nose, and throat (ENT) region presents unique challenges with regard to diagnosis and treatment. This study investigated the clinical characteristics, prognostic factors, and relapse patterns in patients with NHL originating from lymph nodes (nodal NHL) or other extranodal structures, aiming to identify factors associated with relapse between these two groups. This prospective cohort study included 50 patients diagnosed with NHL in the ENT region at a tertiary hospital in South-Western Romania between 2019 and 2021. Patients were categorized as having nodal or extranodal disease based on histopathological examination and were followed for three years to assess disease evolution, including relapse. Cox proportional hazards regression analysis was employed to identify factors associated with relapse-free survival. Extranodal NHL was associated with a significantly higher prevalence of multiple-site involvement compared to nodal NHL (53.3% vs. 30%, P = 0.021). While a trend towards increased relapse was observed in extranodal NHL, this was not statistically significant (P = 0.125). The presence of disseminated disease (HR = 27.295; P < 0.001) and undergoing only a biopsy (compared to total excision, HR = 4.301; P = 0.027) were identified as independent predictors of relapse. Kaplan-Meier analysis demonstrated significantly different relapse-free survival patterns among groups stratified by NHL localization and dissemination status (P < 0.001). The extent of surgical intervention is a crucial factor influencing relapse risk in ENT NHL, with total excision associated with a lower hazard of relapse. At the same time, extranodal involvement may indicate a more aggressive disease course, particularly when combined with dissemination. However, larger studies with longer follow-ups are needed to validate these findings and refine treatment strategies, especially in regions with limited access to healthcare and screening programs.

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About this article

PMC ID: 12094306
PubMed ID: 
DOI: 10.25122/jml-2025-0064

Article Publishing Date (print): 4 2025
Available Online: 

Journal information

ISSN Printing: 1844-122X
ISSN Online: 1844-3117
Journal Title: Journal of Medicine and Life

Copyright License: Open Access

This article is distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/), which permits unrestricted use and redistribution provided that the original author and source are credited.


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