Advanced Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma with Generalized Lymphadenopathy Masquerade as Lymphoma

Document Type : Case Report

Authors

1 Department of Otorhinolaryngology-Head & Neck Surgery, School of Medical Sciences, University Sains Malaysia Health Campus, 16150 Kota Bharu, Kelantan, Malaysia.

2 Department of Radiology, School of Medical Sciences, University Sains Malaysia, Health Campus, 16150 Kota Bharu, Kelantan, Malaysia.

3 Department of Pathology, School of Medical Sciences, University Sains Malaysia, Health Campus, 16150 Kota Bharu, Kelantan, Malaysia.

4 Department of Pathology, School of Medical Sciences, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Health Campus, 16150 Kota Bharu, Kelantan, Malaysia.

5 Department of Internal Medicine, School of Medical Sciences, University Sains Malaysia, Health Campus, 16150 Kota Bharu, Kelantan, Malaysia.

Abstract

Introduction:
Nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) is a nasopharyngeal epithelial neoplasm that has distinct aetiological, epidemiological and biological characteristics compared to other head and neck malignancies. Patients usually present late due to non-specific symptoms and deep location of the tumour in the nasopharynx.
Case Report
We would like to highlight a case of advanced NPC presenting with generalised lymphadenopathy, without the presence of an obvious nasopharyngeal mass that masqueraded as lymphoma in the initial stage.
Conclusions:
NPC may share clinical features with other sinonasal pathologies or other malignant lymphoproliferative disorders that lead to a delay in diagnosis. NPC should be one of the differential diagnoses for any cases presenting with cervical lymphadenopathy, especially in adult male patients originating from East or Southeast Asia. Early diagnosis and treatment are crucial because early-stage NPC has an excellent chemoradiotherapy response and high survival rate.

Keywords

References

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Iranian Journal of Otorhinolaryngology
Volume 34, Issue 3
May and June 2022
Pages 205-211

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