Nasopharynx carcinoid tumor: case report

Abstract

This article reports a nasopharynx tumor case diagnosed by immunohistochemic analysis as a carcinoid tumor. The involved site is very uncommon in this disease which is prevalent in gastro-intestial sites (apendicis, ileum, and rectum) and less frequently observed in the aero-digestive tract, predominatly in bronchi and larynx. This is a 55 year old white male who presented nasal obstuction, headache and retro-orbitary pain. Examination showed a large mass in the nasopharynx extending to the nasal cavity and skull base; without disease in other sites. The biopsy was performed through the nasal cavity, and pathologic examination showed a well differentiated, very cellular and HE monotonous carcinoid tumor. Immunohistochemistry was performed with reaction for AE1/AE3, ceratin with DOT formation, cromogramin and paranuclear; S100 and cytokeratin were negative. Because of the its extension, the tumor was considered unresectable, reason why palliative radiation was considered with 70Gy in 35 fractions. The clinical result was acceptable, but without significant local control. Radiotherapy is an option for the palliative treatment of the carcinoid tumor despite its poor results.