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DOI: 10.1055/s-2007-990277
© J. A. Barth Verlag in Georg Thieme Verlag KG Stuttgart · New York
A Patient with a “Good Nose”
Publication History
received 23.04.2007
first decision 14.06.2007
accepted 23.08.2007
Publication Date:
20 December 2007 (online)
Abstract
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.
Key words
ectopic pituitary - incidentaloma - nasal polyp - hypopituitarism
References
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Correspondence
Dr. L. Sze
Diabetes & Obesity Research Program
Garvan Institute of Medical Research
384 Victoria Street
Darlinghurst
Sydney
2010 NSW
Australia
Phone: +61/2/9295 82 14
Fax: +61/2/9295 84 81
Email: lisa.sze@bluewin.ch