title: EBV-associated smooth muscle tumour presenting as a parapharyngeal mass--a rare presentation.
abstract: The Epstein-Barr virus-associated smooth muscle tumour (EBV-SMT) is a rare entity that has only recently been recognised. Since its first description in 1993, it has been reported only in immunocompromised patients, and generally presents as one or more non-specific mass lesions which may arise almost anywhere within the body. Because of its sporadic occurrence, non-specific presenting features and frequently unusual sites of occurrence, it often presents a diagnostic challenge for the clinician. We describe an interesting patient with an EBV-SMT which masqueraded as nasopharyngeal carcinoma, presenting with serous otitis media, nasopharyngeal mass and raised Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) serology.
authors.affiliation: Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Tan Tock Seng Hospital, 11 Jalan Tan Tock Seng, Singapore 308433, Singapore. jiunfong@yahoo.com
authors.forename: J F
authors.initials: JF
authors.lastname: Thong
authors.forename: K L
authors.initials: KL
authors.lastname: Chuah
mesh_terms: D000163:Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome / Q000150:complications; D000328:Adult; D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D020031:Epstein-Barr Virus Infections / Q000821:virology*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D010033:Otitis Media / Q000209:etiology; D010610:Pharyngeal Neoplasms / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000821:virology*; D018235:Smooth Muscle Tumor / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000821:virology*