A rare case of primary chordoma of the nasopharynx mimicking nasopharyngeal carcinoma: A case report.

INTRODUCTION AND IMPORTANCE

Chordoma is an uncommon malignant tumor that originates from the remnants of the primitive notochord in the embryo. They account for 1 % of intracranial tumors and 4 % of primary bone tumors. It is a locally aggressive tumor with a low risk of metastasis. It is more common in males than in females and is more common in the age range of 40-60. It most commonly occurs in the sacrococcygeal areas but can occur in uncommon locations, such as the dental area and nasopharynx. This case is important because there are few case reports in the world.

CASE PRESENTATION

Here we present a 60 years old male patient presented with foul smelling nasal discharge, nasal obstruction and snoring of 2 years duration and Head CT scan was concluded to be advanced nasopharyngeal carcinoma but histopathology result turned out to be the uncommon nasopharyngeal chordoma. Therefore, he was treated with surgical excision and adjuvant radiotherapy.

CLINICAL DISCUSSION

Patient presentation usually varies by location; however, patients can be asymptomatic. CT and MRI are considered the initial modes of investigation, but histopathology is needed to confirm the diagnosis. Surgery is the primary mode of treatment with or without adjuvant chemoradiotherapy.

CONCLUSION

Even though the typical location of chordoma is the sacrococcygeal area of the body, it can arise in uncommon locations, such as the nasopharynx.