Publication:

An unusual presentation of nasopharyngeal carcinoma

Nasopharyngeal carcinoma is one of the most difficult tumors to diagnose at early state and intracranial spread is common. We report the case of 45 years old Indian female with nasopharyngeal carcinoma, who presented with nasal obstruction and repeated cough and cold from last two months. X-ray PNS imaging revealed mild septal deviation to right side. Nasal endoscopy revealed lobulated greyish coloured mass involving both choana and mass protruded out on expiration. CT scan revealed soft tissue density in nasopharynx involving bilateral choanae. Excision mass done with presumptive diagnosis of lymphoma. Histopathological examination diagnosed non keratinizing undifferentiated nasopharyngeal carcinoma. Serum EBV-DNA levels were raised. Radiotherapy started immediately after diagnosis of NPC. Non-specific symptoms in this case, when followed up carefully diagnosed as NPC. Diagnosis is important for proper management.