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Nasopharyngeal Chordoma: A Case Report
Hessa Alsubaie1, Rashed Aldoseri2, Mohamed Alshehabi3
1ENT, Bahrain Defence Force Hospital, Riffa, BHR.
Cureus
|April 22, 2024
Summary
Nasopharyngeal chordoma, a rare cancer, can mimic common conditions like adenoid hypertrophy in children. This case highlights the critical role of imaging in diagnosing unusual nasopharyngeal masses.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Radiology
- Pediatric Medicine
Background:
- Chordoma is a rare bone tumor originating from notochordal remnants.
- While typically found in the sacrum, chordomas can occur in the skull base and nasopharynx.
- Differentiating chordoma from more common nasopharyngeal masses is clinically significant.
Observation:
- A 10-year-old male presented with symptoms suggestive of adenoid hypertrophy.
- Initial clinical suspicion was for common pediatric upper airway conditions.
- Further diagnostic workup was initiated due to persistent or atypical symptoms.
Findings:
- Imaging studies, including MRI and CT scans, revealed a nasopharyngeal mass.
- Biopsy confirmed the diagnosis of chordoma.
- The tumor's location in the nasopharynx was unusual for this age group.
Implications:
- This case underscores the importance of considering rare diagnoses in the differential for nasopharyngeal masses.
- Advanced imaging techniques are crucial for accurate diagnosis and staging of nasopharyngeal tumors.
- Early and accurate diagnosis of chordoma can lead to timely and appropriate management, potentially improving outcomes.
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