Abstract

Introduction: Nasopharyngeal mass resembles a confounding problem in adults because of the increased fear of malignancy with age advancement. Histopathological pattern of nasopharyngeal lesions varies from common benign lesions such as hyperplastic lymphoid tissue and benign nasopharyngeal cysts to malignant diseases such as lymphoma and nasopharyngeal carcinoma. Methods: This prospective study included all patients underwent a nasopharyngeal biopsy for a nasopharyngeal mass in 2 years period from October 2014 to September 2016. Blind biopsy was taken for cases clinically suspicious for having nasopharyngeal carcinoma. Patients histopathological findings were analyzed as regard demographic data and clinical presentation. Results: A total of 80 patients (45 males and 35 females) were included. Patient age ranged between 18 and 76 years (mean 38.7 years, SD 16.7). The most commonly detected pathological lesion was hyperplastic lymphoid tissue hyperplasia (48.75%). Malignant lesions constituted 48.75% of the study population (12.5% squamous cell carcinoma, 18.75% undifferentiated carcinoma and 17.5% malignant lymphoma). In addition, benign nasopharyngeal cysts were diagnosed in 2.5 % of cases. Conclusion: Benign lesions are more commonly detected in the nasopharynx in adult population particularly hyperplastic lymphoid tissue. Histopathological examination of nasopharyngeal mass is very essential to roll out malignancy which is not uncommon.

Keywords: Nasopharyngeal; Lymphoid hyperplasia; Carcinoma; Lymphoma; Histopathology