Post-Radiation Sphenoidal Mucocele in a Patient Treated for Nasopharyngeal Cancer.
The paranasal sinus mucoceles are epithelial-lined cystic lesions containing mucus or mucopurulent fluid. Several theories have been advanced to explain their occurrence. Previous trauma and sinus surgery are the most common cause. Mucoceles following radiotherapy are rare.
We report the case of a sphenoidal mucocele in a 62-year-old woman who had received radiotherapy 13 years ago for a nasopharyngeal carcinoma. Marsupialisation through an endoscopic transnasal approach was performed. No evidence of recurrence seen after 12 months of follow-up.
Mucoceles are benign rare cystic tumours which may originate from any sinus cavities when their natural ostia are blocked. As a result, it exerts pressure on the surrounding structures. Previous trauma and sinus surgery are the most common cause.
Mucoceles following radiotherapy are rare. They occur usually after irradiation for a nasopharyngeal
cancer in the sphenoid sinus. Few cases have been reported in literature.
Paranasal sinusmucoceles are benign pseudocystictumors, they have an expansive and destructive tendency and a slow evolution.
All locations are possible; they are frequently found in the frontal sinus, the anterior ethmoidal sinus, the maxillary sinus, while posterior ethmoidal sinus and sphenoid sinus are rarely affected.
Ostial obstruction have been advanced to explain their etiopathogenesis. Mucocele predisposing factors include chronic rhinosinusitis, allergic rhinitis, cranio-facial trauma, sinus surgery, nasosinusaltumors, and radiotherapy.
Mucoceles have been reported to be more frequent in men, with a peak incidence in the third or fourth decade of life. Few cases of mucocele occurring after radiation therapy for tumors of the head and neck region were reported in the literature.
Otolaryngol Open J. 2018; 4(1): 15-17. doi: 10.17140/OTLOJ-4-147
