Objectives: To illustrate, via a case report, how a differential diagnosis of amyloidosis is to be suspected in case of a nasopharyngeal mass.
Case report: A 59-year-old woman presented with bilateral nasal obstruction with associated episodic tubal dysfunction. Physical examination found a mass occupying the entire nasopharynx, initially suggestive of tumor.
Discussion: Amyloidosis was diagnosed on histopathologic study of the biopsy and surgical specimens. Exploration for systemic disease proved negative. The localized amyloidosis was managed conservatively. At 9 months' follow-up, there was no recurrence.
Conclusion: Localized amyloidosis, however rare, should be considered as differential diagnosis in any case of nasal obstruction with tubal dysfunction, even if bilateral. ENT physicians need to recognize and understand this pathology for adapted diagnostic and treatment planning.
Copyright © 2012 Elsevier Masson SAS. All rights reserved.