OBJECTIVE: To report a case of Diffuse Large Cell Lymphoma in the nasopharynx in patients with a history of occupational exposure to Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons (PAHs). Report: L. B. A. S., 68-year-old female pensioner, who worked in a remote production line in tire factory, born in Santo André/SP and resident of Tupa/SP presented with complaints of nasal obstruction for 1 year, associated with runny and itchy nose, snoring, and sleep apnea. Her grandparents had a history of oral cancer. Physical examination revealed pallor of the nasal mucosa and septal deviation to the right and the presence of palpable lymph nodes in the bilateral cervical chain. These nodes were painless and mobile, with no fibroelastics adhered to deep planes. Therefore, endoscopy was performed, which showed adenoid tissue occupying 100% of the nasal cavity. Two incisional biopsies of the lesion were obtained, and immunohistochemical study revealed diffuse large cell lymphoma. The patient was referred for follow-up with oncology and is currently awaiting outcome of the cervical lymph node biopsy. CONCLUSION: Diffuse large cell lymphoma is an aggressive tumor rarely found in the nasopharynx, and is associated with exposure to PAHs along with genetic factors that predispose an individual to carcinogenic action of the compound.
