Nasopharyngeal carcinoma with axillary node involvement as a component of failure following chemoradiotherapy

Ear Nose Throat J. 2005 Mar;84(3):159-60, 162.

Abstract

We describe the treatment course and imaging correlations in a patient with a unique case of undifferentiated nasopharyngeal carcinoma with axillary lymph node involvement as a component of failure following chemoradiotherapy. To our knowledge, this is the only such case reported in the literature. A preliminary diagnosis ofaxillary node involvement was based on both positron-emission tomography and computed tomography; these findings were subsequently confirmed by pathologic review following dissection of the node. This case represents a rare presentation of a recurrent nasopharyngeal carcinoma and illustrates the importance of a comprehensive physical examination and correlation with imaging modalities when following these patients over time.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Axilla
  • Biopsy, Needle
  • Carcinoma / diagnosis*
  • Carcinoma / therapy*
  • Chemotherapy, Adjuvant
  • Combined Modality Therapy
  • Follow-Up Studies
  • Humans
  • Immunohistochemistry
  • Lymph Node Excision / methods
  • Lymph Nodes / pathology*
  • Lymph Nodes / surgery
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Nasopharyngeal Neoplasms / diagnosis*
  • Nasopharyngeal Neoplasms / therapy*
  • Neoplasm Staging
  • Pharyngectomy / methods
  • Positron-Emission Tomography
  • Radiotherapy, Adjuvant
  • Risk Assessment
  • Tomography, X-Ray Computed
  • Treatment Failure