Publication

A patient with a "good nose"

Journal Paper/Review - Dec 20, 2007

Units
PubMed
Doi

Citation
Sze L, Fretz C, Hildebrandt G, Westphal K, Brändle M. A patient with a "good nose". Exp Clin Endocrinol Diabetes 2007; 116:129-31.
Type
Journal Paper/Review (English)
Journal
Exp Clin Endocrinol Diabetes 2007; 116
Publication Date
Dec 20, 2007
Issn Print
0947-7349
Pages
129-31
Brief description/objective

We report on a 33-year-old man who underwent an odyssey of doctors for investigation of dysphagia. Eventually, a nasopharyngeal mass was found by several otorhinolaryngologists who repeatedly recommended biopsy or excision, because a polyp or fibroma was assumed on nasal endoscopy and MR imaging. However, we finally diagnosed the nasopharyngeal mass to be an ectopic pituitary gland after thorough clinical (cleft lip and palate) and radiological re-examination. Literally, the patient had a "good nose", since he refused manipulations on the nasopharyngeal tumour and assumably prevented inadvertent hypopituitarism. We conclude that biopsy or excision of nasopharyngeal masses should always be considered carefully, especially in patients with facial anomalies.