Advanced Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma with Generalized Lymphadenopathy Masquerade as Lymphoma

Nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) is a nasopharyngeal epithelial neoplasm that has distinct aetiological, epidemiological and biological characteristics compared to other head and neck malignancies. Patients usually present late due to non-specific symptoms and deep location of the tumour in the nasopharynx.

We would like to highlight a case of advanced NPC presenting with generalised lymphadenopathy, without the presence of an obvious nasopharyngeal mass that masqueraded as lymphoma in the initial stage.

NPC may share clinical features with other sinonasal pathologies or other malignant lymphoproliferative disorders that lead to a delay in diagnosis. NPC should be one of the differential diagnoses for any cases presenting with cervical lymphadenopathy, especially in adult male patients originating from East or Southeast Asia. Early diagnosis and treatment are crucial because early-stage NPC has an excellent chemoradiotherapy response and high survival rate.