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Epstein-barr virus induced cellular changes in nasal mucosa
Matteo Gelardi1, Marilena Tomaiuolo, Michele Cassano
1Department of Otolaryngology, University of Bari, P.zza G. Cesare, 70120, Bari, Italy. gelardim@inwind.it
Virology Journal
|February 3, 2006
Summary
A nasal neoplasm in a young man resolved spontaneously after diagnosis of Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) infection. This case highlights the importance of evaluating nasal tumors and EBV testing.
Area of Science:
- Otolaryngology
- Oncology
- Virology
Background:
- Endonasal neoplasms can present with varied clinical and cytological features.
- Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) is associated with several head and neck malignancies.
- Early detection and diagnosis of nasal pathologies are crucial for patient outcomes.
Observation:
- A 21-year-old male presented with a year-long history of right nasal obstruction.
- Nasal endoscopy revealed a 1 cm neoplasm in the right inferior turbinate.
- Cytologic examination of nasal scrapings showed atypical columnar cells with cytomegaly, multinucleation, and sparse cilia, suggestive of a neoplasm.
Findings:
- Serological and molecular tests confirmed an Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) infection.
- Electron microscopy validated the presence of EBV.
- The patient's clinical and cytological findings resolved spontaneously over 19 months.
Implications:
- Clinical evaluation, including endoscopy and serology, is recommended for all endonasal neoplasms.
- Routine cytological study of nasal scrapings aids in diagnosing nasal pathologies.
- EBV-positive cases warrant regular nasopharyngeal endoscopy to screen for nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC).