Otolaryngology Case Reports (Sep 2022)
Novel surgical management of a recurrent nasopharyngeal cancer
Abstract
Background: We present a case of nasopharyngeal carcinoma, as a third primary, in a 68-year-old man with a previous history of two other tobacco induced, p16 negative, Head and Neck squamous cell carcinomas, including right cervical lymph nodes of unknown origin with TXN2bM0 staging. Methods: Due to prior history of radiation and surgery, salvage resection of the nasopharynx cancer with clear margins was performed using a combination of transoral and transnasal approaches, without a transpalatal incision, septum resection or maxillary swing. Postoperative stereotactic radiation alone was given in a spine sparing dose after which the patient demonstrated normal swallowing and speech functions. Results: No signs of recurrence are seen three years post-op. Patient's speech and swallowing functions are preserved. Conclusion: The aim of this report is to outline the benefit of a minimally invasive approach to resecting a recurrent nasopharyngeal carcinoma in a complex case compared to traditional methods.
