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Recurrent epistaxis in a nine-year-old boy: benign or malignant?

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  23 March 2015

H F Dean ,
S Hadjisymeou ,
G Morrison  and
I Hore
H F Dean*
Affiliation:
Department of Paediatric Otorhinolaryngology, Evelina London Children's Hospital, Guy's and St Thomas' NHS Foundation Trust, UK
S Hadjisymeou
Affiliation:
Department of Paediatric Otorhinolaryngology, Evelina London Children's Hospital, Guy's and St Thomas' NHS Foundation Trust, UK
G Morrison
Affiliation:
Department of Paediatric Otorhinolaryngology, Evelina London Children's Hospital, Guy's and St Thomas' NHS Foundation Trust, UK
I Hore
Affiliation:
Department of Paediatric Otorhinolaryngology, Evelina London Children's Hospital, Guy's and St Thomas' NHS Foundation Trust, UK
*
Address for correspondence: Dr H Dean, c/o Veronica Callendar, 6th Floor, Evelina London Children's Hospital, Westminster Bridge Road, London SE17 1EH, UK E-mail: harrydean@doctors.org.uk
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Abstract

Objective:

We present the case of a rare cause of epistaxis in a paediatric patient, together with the diagnostic and management challenges associated with this condition.

Case report:

A previously well nine-year-old boy presented with a six-month history of intermittent unilateral epistaxis. Radiological investigation and endoscopic biopsy confirmed a highly malignant nasopharyngeal mass consistent with carcinoma. The tumour continued to grow rapidly. Whilst awaiting intervention, the patient experienced a further significant haemorrhage requiring surgical intervention.

Conclusion:

Nasopharyngeal carcinoma is a rare cause of epistaxis amongst children in the UK. Early flexible nasendoscopy can help delineate both benign and sinister causes of symptoms in this region.

Keywords

NasopharynxCarcinomaPediatricsEpistaxisEndoscopy
Type
Clinical Records
Information
The Journal of Laryngology & Otology , Volume 129 , Issue 3 , March 2015 , pp. 293 - 295
Copyright
Copyright © JLO (1984) Limited 2015 

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Footnotes

Oral presentation at the 146th Semon Club meeting, 5 November 2013, London, UK

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