Advanced Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma with Metastatic Neck Nodes Masquerading as Neck Space Infection: A Case Series
Keywords:
Neck space infections, Nasopharyngeal carcinoma, AbscessAbstract
Neck space infections (NSI) and nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) can occur in the same setting and are potentially fatal. Clinicians may delay or miss the diagnosis of NPC due to the initial infective symptoms of NSI with underlying undiagnosed NPC. Two cases of NPC with metastatic neck nodes masquerading as NSI were reported. Tumor-related obstruction, cystic metastases, and oral infections are proposed risk factors for superimposed infection. Any potential complication of NSI, such as airway compromise, should be addressed promptly before proceeding with appropriate diagnostic evaluations, including detailed history-taking, nasoendoscopy, imaging, and fine-needle aspiration cytology. Histopathological examination remains the gold standard for NPC diagnosis. The treatment of NSI can be a combination of antibiotics and incision and drainage, followed by daily wound dressing. The prognosis of both concomitant NSI and NPC cannot be concluded due to limited studies and case reports.
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