Primary T-cell lymphoblastic lymphoma in the middle ear

T-cell lymphoblastic lymphoma (T-LBL) is a highly aggressive lymphoma characterized by precursor T cell malignancy and lymphadenopathy or mediastinal involvement. We present the case of an 11-year old boy with a diagnosis of middle ear T-LBL, which manifested as a headache, hearing loss and peripheral facial paralysis. The child was given intensive chemotherapy and had a complete response. To our knowledge, this is the first case reported in the literature of T-LBL originating in the middle ear. This case aims to help clinicians to be vigilant about the possibility of primary lesions at atypical sites in some special diseases. (C) 2015 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.