Middle ear carcinoma masquerading as an aural polyp

@#OBJECTIVE/strong: To present a case of middle ear carcinoma masquerading as an aural polyp and describe our experience with the clinical presentation, management and outcome of an elderly patient with this pathology. br /br /strongMETHODS/strong:br /strongDesign/strong: Case Reportbr /strongSetting/strong: Tertiary Public Hospital br /strongPatient/strong: Onebr /br /strongRESULTS/strong: A 63-year-old female presented with an aural polyp and preceding symptoms of inner ear disturbances followed by otorrhea and otalgia. CT scans revealed an erosive lesion occupying the entire middle ear cleft, external ear canal and mastoid cavity with involvement of inner structures. A repeat biopsy subsequently revealed malignancy leading to a diagnosis of middle ear carcinoma. The patient was offered surgical treatment but opted for radiotherapy and subsequently defaulted follow-up.br /br /strongCONCLUSION/strong: Middle ear carcinoma is rare and can masquerade as a benign aural polyp. Symptoms of severe otalgia and inner ear disturbances are indicators of possible malignancy, as are recent-onset symptoms of otitis media developing over a relatively short course later in life. A high index of suspicion is needed to avoid late diagnosis. Repeat deeper aural tissue biopsy is needed to exclude malignancy. Computed tomography imaging is indispensable in delineating tumor extent and aids in tumor staging as well as prognostication. Surgical resection with clear tumor margins, followed by postoperative radiotherapy, is the preferred choice of treatment. Sole radiotherapy is reserved for tumors of small volume as well as in cases where surgery is not feasible./p

Tuberculous cervical lymphadenitis in a patient with suspected neck recurrence / 中华医学杂志(英文版)

The significance of metastastic disease in the cervical lymph nodes has long been appreciated. The rich lymphatics of the upper aerodigestive tract explained the high incidence of cervical metastasis, occasional bilaterally spread. Even with appropriate treatment, cervical recurrences do occur. Nonetheless, with the resurgence of tuberculosis, the differential of tuberculous cervical lymphadenitis should be excluded. Appropriate modalities should be employed in making the appropriate diagnosis possible.