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Nasal craniopharyngioma: case report and literature review

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  24 January 2011

J C Magill ,
M S Ferguson ,
A Sandison  and
P M Clarke
J C Magill*
Affiliation:
Department of Otolaryngology – Head and Neck Surgery, Charing Cross Hospital, London, UK
M S Ferguson
Affiliation:
Department of Otolaryngology – Head and Neck Surgery, Charing Cross Hospital, London, UK
A Sandison
Affiliation:
Department of Histopathology, Charing Cross Hospital, London, UK
P M Clarke
Affiliation:
Department of Otolaryngology – Head and Neck Surgery, Charing Cross Hospital, London, UK
*
Address for correspondence: Dr Jennifer C Magill, Department of Otolaryngology – Head and Neck Surgery, Charing Cross Hospital, London W6 8RF, UK Fax:  + 44 (0)208 70 4580775 E-mail: [email protected]
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Abstract

Objective:

We report the first case in the English language literature of an adamantinomatous infrasellar craniopharyngioma, and we describe our management strategy.

Case report:

A 46-year-old woman presented with a six-month history of left-sided nasal obstruction and epistaxis. Rhinological examination revealed a left-sided, polypoidal lesion lying medial to the middle turbinate. An urgent examination under anaesthesia was organised; biopsies were considered characteristic of craniopharyngioma. Magnetic resonance imaging and computed tomography demonstrated a well defined, heterogeneous, infrasellar mass centred in the midline, extending anteriorly into the left nasal cavity and posteriorly encasing both internal carotid arteries. Craniofacial resection was performed via a midfacial degloving approach, with adjuvant radiotherapy. The patient was disease-free one year post-operatively.

Conclusion:

Craniopharyngiomas should be considered in the differential diagnosis of a unilateral nasal polyp. Although technically benign, they are locally aggressive. Therefore, we recommend complete excision with adjuvant radiotherapy if margins are involved or close.

Keywords

NosePathologyCraniopharyngioma
Type
Clinical Records
Information
The Journal of Laryngology & Otology , Volume 125 , Issue 5 , May 2011 , pp. 517 - 519
Copyright
Copyright © JLO (1984) Limited 2011

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