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Nasopharyngeal mucoepidermoid carcinoma: A case report and review of literature
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Abstract
Background
Salivary gland-type tumors originating in the nasopharynx are rare, and only a few articles about mucoepidermoid carcinomas (MEC) in this location have been reported. We describe one case of nasopharyngeal MEC and, based on a review of the literature, discuss different therapeutic approaches that can be taken regarding the result of histological findings, radiological tests and extent of disease.
Case presentation
A 47-year-old woman diagnosed with mucoepidermoid carcinoma of nasopharynx, T1 N3 M0 (stage IV-B) was treated in 2007 with a combination of radiotherapy and chemotherapy to a maximum dose of 70[[ce:hsp sp="0.25"/]]Gy and concomitant Cisplatin during the radiation. One year later, with the head and neck disease under control, mediastinal nodes relapse appeared which were treated with exclusive radiotherapy to a maximum dose of 65[[ce:hsp sp="0.25"/]]Gy. One year after the first relapse, a second relapse was detected in the right lung, next to the previously treated mediastinal regions, and the patient initiated a treatment with exclusive chemotherapy based on TPF scheme.
Conclusion
For limited or resectable MEC, combined surgery with radiotherapy, or radiochemotherapy, should be considered the main treatment policy. On the other hand, in poorly differentiated, unresectable tumors or nasopharyngeal MEC, radiochemotherapy could be currently the main treatment approach.
Abstract
Background
Salivary gland-type tumors originating in the nasopharynx are rare, and only a few articles about mucoepidermoid carcinomas (MEC) in this location have been reported. We describe one case of nasopharyngeal MEC and, based on a review of the literature, discuss different therapeutic approaches that can be taken regarding the result of histological findings, radiological tests and extent of disease.
Case presentation
A 47-year-old woman diagnosed with mucoepidermoid carcinoma of nasopharynx, T1 N3 M0 (stage IV-B) was treated in 2007 with a combination of radiotherapy and chemotherapy to a maximum dose of 70[[ce:hsp sp="0.25"/]]Gy and concomitant Cisplatin during the radiation. One year later, with the head and neck disease under control, mediastinal nodes relapse appeared which were treated with exclusive radiotherapy to a maximum dose of 65[[ce:hsp sp="0.25"/]]Gy. One year after the first relapse, a second relapse was detected in the right lung, next to the previously treated mediastinal regions, and the patient initiated a treatment with exclusive chemotherapy based on TPF scheme.
Conclusion
For limited or resectable MEC, combined surgery with radiotherapy, or radiochemotherapy, should be considered the main treatment policy. On the other hand, in poorly differentiated, unresectable tumors or nasopharyngeal MEC, radiochemotherapy could be currently the main treatment approach.
Keywords
Mucoepidermoid carcinoma; Nasopharynx; Salivary gland tumor; Radiotherapy; MEC; Chemotherapy
About this articleTitle
Nasopharyngeal mucoepidermoid carcinoma: A case report and review of literature
Journal
Reports of Practical Oncology and Radiotherapy
Issue
Pages
117-120
Published online
2013-03-01
DOI
10.1016/j.rpor.2012.10.002
Bibliographic record
Rep Pract Oncol Radiother 2013;18(2):117-120.
Keywords
Mucoepidermoid carcinoma
Nasopharynx
Salivary gland tumor
Radiotherapy
MEC
Chemotherapy
Authors
Javier Martínez Ollero
Asunción Hervás Morón
Ángel Montero Luis
Soraya Marcos Sánchez
Andrea Abondano Nazarewsky
M José López
Alfredo Ramos Aguerri