Early stage adenoid cystic carcinoma of the posterior nasal septum: a rare manifestation

Abstract

Adenoid cystic carcinomas are rare malignant tumors that commonly arise from major and minor salivary glands and are characterized by slow growth, frequent local recurrences, and high incidence of distant metastasis, especially reported in patients with advanced stage tumors. Adenoid cystic carcinomas can rarely occur in other areas of the head and neck region, notably in the nasal cavity. Moreover, adenoid cystic carcinoma limited to the nasal septum is particularly unusual and has been the subject of a small number of published cases only. We discuss here a case of a 42 year-old woman diagnosed with early stage adenoid cystic carcinoma of the posterior nasal septum, treated solely with surgical resection via endoscopic approach. During five years of follow-up, no local recurrence or distant metastasis has been detected.

Endoscopic Transnasal Resection of Adenoid Cystic Carcinoma of the Nasal Septum: A Case Report and Literature Review

“…In particular, when selecting a surgical method (endoscopic surgery, skull base surgery or removal by external incision), the presence of tumor infiltration along the cranial nerves extending to the skull base is an important consideration. Low-grade ACC in the paranasal sinuses may mimic the characteristics of simple polyps that fill the nasal cavity and show slight bone remodeling on both CT and MRI, while high-grade ACC can manifest as a large, irregular mass with bone destruction on both CT and MRI [11]. Contrast-enhanced imaging is necessary to confirm tumor infiltration into the skull along the cranial nerves and to clarify whether the tumor has abundant blood flow.…”