Localized nasopharyngeal amyloidosis

A mass in the nasopharynx often implies a malignancy in adults, particularly in the endemic areas of Epstein-Barr virus-associated undifferentiated carcinoma. We report an 86-year-old male patient who presented to our rhinologic outpatient department with postnasal drip for several years, with no other associated nasal symptoms. Physical examination with nasal endoscopy found a prominent bulge in the nasopharynx. Pathological examination of the biopsied specimens identified features consistent with amyloidosis. Magnetic resonance imaging demonstrated an enhanced soft-tissue mass localized to the nasopharyngeal region. We excluded the possibility of a partial representation of a potential systemic amyloidosis. Regular follow-up including nasal endoscopy was undertaken. Over 3 years of observation, the disease process remained silent. Here, the clinical presentation, diagnosis and treatment options of this rare entity are discussed.

Nasopharyngeal amyloidosis: an unusual cause for epistaxis

Objective:

We report the first case of nasal and nasopharyngeal amyloidosis secondary to multiple myeloma; this case also represents the fourth report of systemic nasal or nasopharyngeal amyloidosis.

Method:

Case report and review of the world literature concerning nasal and nasopharyngeal amyloidosis epidemiology, presentation and management.

Results:

Nasal and nasopharyngeal amyloidosis is rare. The presentation, clinical course and treatment are discussed for the presented patient. The amyloid tumour, which recurred in correlation with the progressive transformation of the multiple myeloma, was treated surgically. Subsequent localised radiotherapy decreased the size and growth rate of the tumour.

Conclusion:

Amyloid should be considered as a cause of resistant or recurrent epistaxis provided a mass lesion is seen on radiological imaging. Radiotherapy may be a treatment option in nasal and nasopharyngeal amyloidosis.

Plasma cell dyscrasias and amyloidosis

The plasma cell dyscrasias and amyloidosis are distinct clinical entities that may co-exist. Both disease processes may present with manifestations in the head and neck, making familiarity with these conditions by otolaryngologists essential. Prompt diagnosis and evaluation for systemic disease are crucial in proper treatment planning.

Primary amyloidosis presenting as a nasopharyngeal mass

Amyloid is defined as a pathologic proteinaceous substance which, when deposited between the cells of tissues and organs, leads to various clinical conditions. Immunohistochemistry has allowed for better classification and understanding of the pathophysiology of amyloidosis. In the upper aerodigestive tract, amyloidosis is a rare condition occurring most frequently in the larynx. We present the case of a 42-year-old woman with complete nasal obstruction due to primary nasopharyngeal amyloidosis. This represents the first reported case of primary nasopharyngeal amyloidosis containing both the lambda and kappa immunoglobulin light chains. The clinical and radiologic findings, as well as the management of primary amyloidosis of the upper aerodigestive tract, will be discussed. A review of the literature pertaining to nasal and nasopharyngeal amyloidosis will be presented.