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Retropharyngeal abscess. A rare presentation of nasopharyngeal carcinoma

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  29 June 2007

Martin Wai Pak ,
Ka Lai Chan  and
Charles Andrew van Hasselt
Martin Wai Pak
Affiliation:
Division of Otorhinolaryngology, Department of Surgery, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Prince of Wales Hospital, Hong Kong.
Ka Lai Chan
Affiliation:
Division of Otorhinolaryngology, Department of Surgery, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Prince of Wales Hospital, Hong Kong.
Charles Andrew van Hasselt*
Affiliation:
Division of Otorhinolaryngology, Department of Surgery, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Prince of Wales Hospital, Hong Kong.
*
Address for correspondence: Professor C. A. van Hasselt, Division of Otorhinolaryngology, Department of Surgery, Prince of Wales Hospital, Shatin, New Territories, Hong Kong. Fax: (852) 26466312
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Abstract

Early symptoms of nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) can often be deceptive and confusing. Most patients with nasopharyngeal carcinoma present at an advanced stage with metastatic cervical nodes present at the time of diagnosis. A deep neck abscess as the presenting feature has not been reported. We report two cases of nasopharyngeal carcinoma which presented with retropharyngeal abscesses and persistent lymphadenopathy. These two patients illustrate that refractory lymphadenopathy, despite adequate treatment of the associated infection, should prompt a search for underlying disease. The relationship between nasopharyngeal carcinoma and retropharyngeal abscess is discussed.

Keywords

Abscess, retropharyngealNasopharyngeal neoplasmsComplications
Type
Clinical Records
Information
The Journal of Laryngology & Otology , Volume 113 , Issue 1 , January 1999 , pp. 70 - 72
Copyright
Copyright © JLO (1984) Limited 1999

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