Nasopharyngeal masses in adults.

Nasopharyngeal masses in adults present a perplexing problem because of the concern for malignancy. A retrospective review of the records, radiographs and biopsy histology of 57 patients presenting in one year with nasopharyngeal masses at the Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary suggests that persistent pain, epistaxis, trismus, or cervical mass are uncommon in patients with benign histology and should alert the clinician to the probability of malignancy. A high index of suspicion on the part of the clinician is essential for the successful recognition of early lesions. The roles of conventional radiography, polytomography, and computed tomography scans are discussed. Patients with malignant lesions are contrasted with those having benign lesions.