Sarcoidosis in the Nasopharynx, a Rare Location

Nasopharyngeal Sarcoidosis: A Rare Location

“…In particular, renal cell carcinomas are known to metastasize to the nasopharynx. 1,4,5 Sarcoidosis is a multisystem granulomatous disorder of unknown cause. Presenting features of sarcoidosis ranging from asymptomatic but abnormal findings on chest radiography in many patients to progressive multiorgan failure.…”

“…Symptoms caused by pulmonary, cardiac, neural, gastrointestinal, hepatic, renal, cutaneous, ophthalmic, and endocrine involvement manifest in later stages of the disease. 1,5 Sarcoidosis of the ear-nose-throat system is relatively rare. It can affect the ear and temporal…”

“…Upper respiratory tract involvement is extremely rare, seen approximately in 6% of systemic sarcoidosis. 1,2 Diagnosis requires exclusion of nasopharyngeal malignancy and other diseases with similar clinical manifestations and histologic properties such as amyloidosis, tuberculosis, histoplasmosis, and syphilis. This usually is a diagnosis of exclusion.…”

“…On the other hand, patients with sarcoidosis often initially seek treatment from an otolaryngologist, because the earliest signs and symptoms of sarcoidosis may be identical to those of other forms of chronic sinonasal inflammation. 1,5 Although the exact etiology of sarcoidosis remains obscure, its development is attributed to an excessive, antigen-driven cellular immune response occuring within target organs, and promoting nonspecific systemic inflammation. Since the pharyngeal tonsil is exposed to antigens in inspired air, immunologic activation may be occurring at this site, subsequently leading to systemic sarcoidosis.…”

“…The patients should be directed to related departments for the further investigation. 1,5 There are few reports in the literature of palatine tonsillar and nasopharyngeal involvement due to sarcoidosis. Saussez et al and Yarington et al reported a cases of incidentally identified tonsillar and adenoidal sarcoidosis.…”