Undifferentiated nasopharyngeal cancer extending to maxillary sinus: a case report

Undifferentiated nasopharyngeal cancer of thecavum (UCNT) is the most frequent neoplasm ofthe nasopharynx, having a close relationship withexposure to Epstein-Barr virus. It has a highpotential for locoregional or distant invasion whichare the cause of some treatment failures. Theextension to the maxillary sinus is rarely described.We report here the case of a 38-year-old patientwith headaches associated with epistaxis, leftotalgia and facial pain. Examination by anteriorrhinoscopy objectively revealed a polylobedulcerating mass. Otoscopic examination revealed aleft seromucous otitis media. Computedtomography showed a voluminous tumour process ArticleMohamed Beghdad et al. PAMJ - 36(276). 13 Aug 2020. - Page numbers not for citation purposes. 2in the infra temporal fossa and nasopharynx withsignificant locoregional extension particularly inthe maxillary sinus. Pathological examinationrevealed an UCNT of the cavum and the patientwas classified as T4N2M0. The patient receivedchemoradiotherapy, with wide irradiation of thecervical lymph node areas. The deep localization ofthe cancer of the cavum, which is difficult toexamine, requires a diagnostic and extensionwork-up, both endoscopic and radiological, whichis an important step in the diagnostic andtherapeutic management