Localized nasopharyngeal amyloidosis.
A mass in the nasopharynx often implies a malignancy in adults, particularly in the endemic areas of Epstein-Barr virus-associated undifferentiated carcinoma. We report an 86-year-old male patient who presented to our rhinologic outpatient department with postnasal drip for several years, with no other associated nasal symptoms. Physical examination with nasal endoscopy found a prominent bulge in the nasopharynx. Pathological examination of the biopsied specimens identified features consistent with amyloidosis. Magnetic resonance imaging demonstrated an enhanced soft-tissue mass localized to the nasopharyngeal region. We excluded the possibility of a partial representation of a potential systemic amyloidosis. Regular follow-up including nasal endoscopy was undertaken. Over 3 years of observation, the disease process remained silent. Here, the clinical presentation, diagnosis and treatment options of this rare entity are discussed.
Department of Otolaryngology, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, 201 Section 2 Shih-Pai Road, Taipei, Taiwan, R.O.C.
Yen-Sheng
YS
Chen
Wing-Yin
WY
Li
Ching-Yin
CY
Ho
D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D000686:Amyloidosis / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000473:pathology; D006801:Humans; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging; D008297:Male; D009302:Nasopharyngeal Diseases / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000473:pathology