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Rapid Generation of Amyloid from Native Proteins In vitro
Published on: December 5, 2013
Localized oropharyngeal amyloidosis.
Christopher R Grindle1, Joseph M Curry, Joshua P Cantor
1Division of Otolaryngology, Nemours/Alfred I. duPont Hospital for Children, Wilmington, DE 19803, USA. cgrindle@nemours.org
Ear, Nose, & Throat Journal
|May 13, 2011
Summary
A rare case of localized amyloidosis in the oropharynx was diagnosed in a young woman. This non-AL-type amyloidosis required surgical resection, highlighting its exceptional rarity.
Area of Science:
- Otorhinolaryngology
- Pathology
- Medical Oncology
Background:
- Amyloidosis is a rare condition characterized by the buildup of abnormal proteins in organs.
- Localized amyloidosis can affect various sites, but oropharyngeal involvement is exceptionally uncommon.
- Most documented cases of localized amyloidosis are of the AL (amyloid light-chain) type.
Observation:
- A 29-year-old woman presented with persistent odynophagia (painful swallowing).
- Physical examination revealed a distinct yellow, exophytic lesion on the right lateral pharyngeal wall.
- Biopsy results indicated the presence of amyloid deposition.
Findings:
- The patient was diagnosed with nodular non-AL-type amyloidosis, specifically the AA (amyloid A) type.
- Surgical resection, including tonsillectomy, was performed to remove the oropharyngeal lesion.
- Final pathological examination confirmed the diagnosis and the specific subtype of amyloidosis.
Implications:
- This case underscores the extreme rarity of non-AL-type amyloidosis localized to the oropharynx.
- The findings contribute to the limited literature on AA amyloidosis in this specific anatomical region.
- Understanding such rare presentations is crucial for accurate diagnosis and appropriate management of oropharyngeal lesions.
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