Purpose or Case Report: Nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) is a rare malignancy in the pediatric population, comprising less than 1% of all pediatric malignancies. NPC typically occurs in older children and adolescents, with the highest incidence between ages 10-19, and there may be a slight male predominance.
A 14-year-old boy presented with a 2-week history of earache, hearing loss, headache, fever, neck pain, and palpable enlarged lymph nodes in the neck. Ultrasound revealed bilateral cervical lymphadenitis. Upon physical examination, the throat appeared hyperemic. Blood tests showed moderately elevated inflammatory markers. Initially, the patient was diagnosed with cervical lymphadenitis, right-sided otitis, and eustachitis. Antibiotic therapy was initiated, resulting in mild improvement; however, the primary symptoms persisted.
Serological testing for Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) was negative. A contrast-enhanced CT scan was performed due to the suspicion of an abscess. The CT revealed a hypervascular mass measuring 4.3x3.3cm in the nasopharynx, extending into the parapharyngeal and retropharyngeal spaces from the right side, significantly narrowing the nasopharyngeal airway. Cervical lymphadenopathy was also noted, particularly on the right side.
Given the imaging findings, a differential diagnosis was considered between lymphoma and nasopharyngeal carcinoma. A pediatric oncology consultation was obtained, and biopsies of both the retropharyngeal mass and cervical lymph nodes were performed. Histopathological analysis confirmed the diagnosis of nasopharyngeal carcinoma.
Nasopharyngeal carcinoma in pediatric patients often presents with non-specific symptoms, contributing to diagnostic delays. Cervical lymphadenopathy is frequently the primary clinical finding, typically manifesting as painless enlarged neck lymph nodes. Other common symptoms include nasal obstruction, nasal discharge, and ear-related issues such as otitis media with effusion, hearing loss, or tinnitus due to eustachian tube dysfunction. In cases presenting with these symptoms, imaging with CT or MRI has an important role for early diagnosis.
Methods & Materials:
Results:
Conclusions: