One case of civil aviation pilot with nasopharyngeal non-Hodgkin lymphoma and literature review
10.3760/cma.j.cn113854-20231207-00126
- VernacularTitle:民航飞行员鼻咽部非霍奇金淋巴瘤1例并文献复习
- Author:
Yin BAI
1
;
Mosheng HU
1
;
Haiying YIN
1
;
Caihong QIN
1
Author Information
1. 中国民用航空局民航医学中心航空人员体检鉴定所，北京 100123
- Publication Type:Journal Article
- Keywords:
Nasopharyngeal neoplasms;
Lymphoma, non-Hodgkin;
Eligibility determination;
Civil pilot
- From:
Chinese Journal of Aerospace Medicine
2025;36(1):53-56
- CountryChina
- Language:Chinese
-
Abstract:
Objective:To investigate the diagnosis, treatment, prognosis and aeromedical assessment of nasopharyngeal non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL) in civil aviation pilots.Methods:The clinical data of a civil pilot with nasopharyngeal NHL was retrospectively analyzed while related literature was reviewed. The clinical characteristics, diagnosis, treatment, prognosis and identification of nasopharyngeal NHL were traced.Results:A civil pilot was diagnosed with nasopharyngeal NHL in January 2016 before being grounded by aviation physicians. After treatment with systematic chemoradiation and chemotherapy by the Department of Oncology, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, the patient′s results of blood routine tests, blood biochemistry, EB virus DNA detection, electrical audiometry, and sound immittance returned to normal as evidenced by multiple outpatient examinations between June 2016 and April 2017. No signs of malignant tumor were found by fiber nasopharyngoscopy, nasopharyngeal MRI or positron emission tomography/computed tomography. In June 2017, he applied for specially-permitted assessment for the first time, and the aeromedical assessment conclusion was waiver to flight, but his flight was limited to 60 h or less. The pilot was able to perform flight duties ever since. EB virus DNA detection, nasopharyngeal MRI, fiber nasopharyngoscopy and other related examinations were repeated in each physical examination, and the pilot was given specially-permitted eligibility for fight missions annually for 6 consecutive years, but the monthly flying hours was limited to 60 h or less. So far, the disease neither recurred nor progressed.Conclusions:Nasopharyngeal NHL is rare in civil aviation pilots, so missed diagnosis and misdiagnosis should be avoided. Patients with nasopharyngeal NHL who have recovered after treatment may apply for specially-permitted health assessment and resume their work after comprehensive assessment by related experts.
