An unusual lesion of the nasopharynx: oncocytic metaplasia

• Published in: Annales de pathologie Vol. 31; no. 5; p. 396
• Main Authors: Khanchel-Lakhoua, Fatma, Nsiri, Emna, Labbène, Naceur, Koubâa, Wafa, Khayat, Olfa, Ben Gamra, Olfa, El Khedim, Abdelkader, Chadli-Debbiche, Aschraf
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: French
• Published: France 01.10.2011
• Subjects: Biopsy; Deglutition Disorders - etiology; Earache - etiology; Epithelial Cells - pathology; Female; Hearing Loss, Bilateral - etiology; Humans; Metaplasia; Middle Aged; Nasal Mucosa - pathology; Nasopharynx - pathology; Nasopharynx - surgery; Neuropeptides - secretion; Oxyphil Cells - pathology; Pseudolymphoma - etiology; Sympathetic Fibers, Postganglionic - secretion; Tinnitus - etiology
• ISSN: 0242-6498
• DOI: 10.1016/j.annpat.2011.06.005

Oncocytic metaplasia of the nasopharynx is an exceptional lesion which exact etiopathogenesis, although largely discussed, still remains controversial. The purpose of this paper is to present the epidemiological characteristics and clinical signs of this lesion and to study its pathogenesis and its therapeutic modalities. We report two cases that occurred respectively in a 53- and 60-year-old woman. The first presented with pharyngeal dysesthesia and otalgia. The endoscopic examination revealed an irregularity of the posterior wall of the nasopharynx. The second patient presented with tinnitus, discomfort of the left ear and bilateral hearing loss. Endoscopic exam revealed a bilateral structural abnormality to the eardrum. Microscopy showed focal oncocytic metaplasia of the nasopharynx mucosa in both cases. There was a positive outcare for both patients after excisional biopsy. Oncocytic metaplasia seems to be in relation to the stimulation of sympathic neuropeptidergic nerve fibers which target epithelial, connective, endothelial and lymphoid cells.