Surgery and radiotherapy for typical carcinoid of the nasopharynx: a case report.

BACKGROUND

Carcinoid tumours are rare, particularly in the head and neck region. When occurring in this area, they mainly affect the larynx. The first case of primary well-differentiated carcinoid tumour arising from the nasopharynx was documented in 2009 and treated by combined external beam radiation and cold somatostatin analogue with a fatal outcome. To our knowledge, no case of this type of lesion has been successfully treated with surgery and radiotherapy until now.

OBJECTIVE

To make physicians aware that typical carcinoid nasopharyngeal tumour can be treated by surgery and adjuvant radiotherapy.

METHOD: We report the management of a typical carcinoid nasopharyngeal tumour in a 68-year-old female successfully treated with endoscopic surgery and adjuvant radiotherapy. We also review the relevant literature.

CONCLUSION

Patients with close margins at the time of the surgery may need adjuvant radiotherapy to prevent recurrence. After a negative octreotide scintigraphy, periodical follow-up only is sufficient.