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Herpes simplex virus infection presenting as a piriform sinus mass
Laurie A Brigandi1, Paul V Lanfranchi, Edward D Scheiner
1Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, School of Osteopathic Medicine, University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey, Stratford, USA. lauriebrigandi@yahoo.com
Ear, Nose, & Throat Journal
|August 17, 2006
Summary
Herpes simplex virus (HSV) infection can mimic oral cancer. A piriform sinus mass, initially suspected as malignancy, was diagnosed as HSV infection and resolved with antiviral treatment.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Virology
- Otolaryngology
Background:
- Herpes simplex virus (HSV) is increasingly linked to oncogenesis.
- HSV antigens have been detected in oral cancer tissues.
- Piriform sinus masses are often associated with malignancy.
Observation:
- A 62-year-old male presented with symptoms of dysphagia, odynophagia, and dysphonia.
- Computed tomography (CT) revealed a mass in the piriform sinus.
- Initial suspicion was malignancy.
Findings:
- Histopathology of the piriform sinus mass showed classic signs of HSV cytopathic effect.
- Intranuclear inclusion bodies, ballooning degeneration, and ground-glass nuclei were observed.
- The patient demonstrated a positive response to antiviral therapy.
Implications:
- This case represents the first reported instance of HSV infection presenting as a piriform sinus mass.
- HSV should be considered in the differential diagnosis of piriform sinus masses.
- Antiviral therapy can be effective in resolving HSV-induced piriform sinus lesions.
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