Diagnostic Consideration for Sinonasal Wegener's Granulomatosis Clinically Mistaken for Carcinoma. (9th September 2013)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: La Rosa, Cristina; Emmanuele, Carmela; Tranchina, Maria Grazia; Ippolito, Massimo; Cosentino, Sebastiano; Saita, Vincenzo; Improta, Giuseppina; Fraggetta, Filippo
• Other Names: Chhetri D. K. Academic Editor.; Paparella M. Academic Editor.
• Is Part Of: Case reports in otolaryngology. Volume 2013(2013)
• Publication Date: 2013-09-09
• Subjects: Otolaryngology -- Periodicals; Otolaryngology -- Case studies -- Periodicals; Otolaryngology; Otorhinolaryngologic Diseases; Otolaryngology; Periodicals; Case studies; Periodicals; Case Reports; Fulltext; Internet Resources; Periodicals; 617.51
• DOI: 10.1155/2013/839451
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2090-6765

Abstract

Abstract : We report a case of Wegener's granulomatosis clinically mistaken for carcinoma in a 21-year-old girl presenting with an ulcerated mass of the nasopharynx associated with enlarged laterocervical nodes. The lesion was clinically suspected as malignant on the basis of clinical and radiological findings (namely, computed tomography scan and positron emission tomography). However, multiple biopsies were not conclusive for malignancy showing histological change suggestive of Wegener's granulomatosis. A serum determination of cANCA supported the diagnosis of Wegener's granulomatosis. Clinical findings and image studies suggested an erroneous diagnosis of malignancy whereas a definitive diagnosis of Wegener's granulomatosis was achieved only after repeated biopsies thus leading to a correct therapeutic approach. The Wegener granulomatosis must be added to the list of the differential diagnoses of the masses of the nasopharynx associated with or without enlarged laterocervical nodes.