Primary thyroid-like low-grade nasopharyngeal papillary adenocarcinoma: A case report and literature review. Issue 47 (November 2017)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Zhang, Wan-Lin; Ma, Shuang; Havrilla, Lauren; Cai, Lin; Yu, Cheng-Qian; Shen, Shuai; Xu, Hong-Tao; Wang, Liang; Yu, Juan-Han; Lin, Xu-Yong; Wang, Endi; Yang, Lian-He
• Other Names: NA. section editor.
• Is Part Of: Medicine. Volume 96:Issue 47(2017)
• Publication Date: 2017-11
• Subjects: nasopharynx -- papillary adenocarcinoma -- thyroid -- TTF-1; Medicine -- Periodicals; Medicine -- Periodicals; Médecine -- Périodiques; Geneeskunde; Medicine; Periodicals; Periodicals; 610.5
• DOI: 10.1097/MD.0000000000008851
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0025-7974

Abstract

Abstract: Rationale: Primary thyroid-like low-grade nasopharyngeal papillary adenocarcinoma (TL-LGNPPA) is an extremely rare malignant nasopharyngeal tumor with features resembling papillary thyroid carcinoma including nuclear positive expression of thyroid transcription factor-1 (TTF-1). Patient concerns: A 64-year-old male presented with nasal bleeding and a foreign body sensation of the nasopharynx. Laryngoscopy revealed a 2.0-cm broad-based mass with a smooth surface on the posterior wall of the nasopharynx. A biopsy was obtained. Diagnoses: Histopathologic examination demonstrated tumor cells arranged in both papillary and glandular architecture. The tumor cells express nuclear immunoreactivity for TTF-1. The diagnosis of TL-LGNPPA was made. Interventions: After the patient was diagnosed with TL-LGNPPA, he underwent complete surgical resection. Outcomes: There was no recurrence or evidence of metastatic disease at the 12-month follow-up. Lessons: TL-LGNPPA is easy to misdiagnose as metastatic papillary thyroid carcinoma or other relative primary adenocarcinomas. It is important to have a broad differential diagnosis and know the key features of each entity because the prognosis and clinical treatment of each may differ.