A Case of Nasopharyngeal Papillary Adenocarcinoma: Nasal Endoscopic Approach

Abstract

Low-grade nasopharyngeal papillary adenocarcinoma is an unusual nasopharyngeal tumor. This malignant tumor originates in the epithelium and exhibits adenocarcinomatous differentiation and indolent behavior. Macroscopically, these tumors are pedunculated polypoid masses that arise on the roof of the nasopharynx. Microscopically, they are characterized by papillary and glandular epithelial proliferation. We report a case of a 25-year-old woman who presented with a papillary adenocarcinoma on the roof of nasopharynx; in describing the case, we have focused on the histological features and endoscopic management of the tumor. The tumor was completely excised via nasal endoscopic approach. Immunohistochemical analysis of the tumor was performed based on a differential diagnosis of metastatic papillary thyroid carcinoma. The testing involved thyroid transcription factor-1, thyroglobulin, and epithelial membrane antigen analysis. The patient remained disease-free for over 6 months after the surgical excision performed via nasal endoscopic approach.