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Nasal craniopharyngioma: case report and literature review

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  24 January 2011

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: Jennifer_magill22@hotmail.com

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.

Type
Clinical Records
Copyright
Copyright © JLO (1984) Limited 2011

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