Undifferentiated nasopharyngeal cancer extending to maxillary sinus: a case report

Abstract

Undifferentiated nasopharyngeal cancer of the
cavum (UCNT) is the most frequent neoplasm of
the nasopharynx, having a close relationship with
exposure to Epstein-Barr virus. It has a high
potential for locoregional or distant invasion which
are the cause of some treatment failures. The
extension to the maxillary sinus is rarely described.
We report here the case of a 38-year-old patient
with headaches associated with epistaxis, left
otalgia and facial pain. Examination by anterior
rhinoscopy objectively revealed a polylobed
ulcerating mass. Otoscopic examination revealed a
left seromucous otitis media. Computed
tomography showed a voluminous tumour process
Article
Mohamed Beghdad et al. PAMJ - 36(276). 13 Aug 2020. - Page numbers not for citation purposes. 2
in the infra temporal fossa and nasopharynx with
significant locoregional extension particularly in
the maxillary sinus. Pathological examination
revealed an UCNT of the cavum and the patient
was classified as T4N2M0. The patient received
chemoradiotherapy, with wide irradiation of the
cervical lymph node areas. The deep localization of
the cancer of the cavum, which is difficult to
examine, requires a diagnostic and extension
work-up, both endoscopic and radiological, which
is an important step in the diagnostic and
therapeutic management.