EXTENSIVE SQUAMOUS CELL CARCINOMA OF THE NASOPHARYNX REVEALED ATYPICALLY BY TRISMUS: A RARE CASE REPORT

Nasopharyngeal carcinomas (NPC) are relatively common in the Mediterranean region, which represents an area of intermediate endemicity for these cancers. NPCs are primarily undifferentiated carcinomas (lymphoepithelial), squamous cell carcinomas, and lymphomas. They all originate from the epithelial cells that line the surface of the nasopharynx.Non-keratinizing squamous cell carcinoma is associated with the Epstein-Barr virus (EBV). It accounts for 60% of all NPCs in adults. This is an aggressive cancer that tends to spread rapidly to adjacent tissues and lymph nodes.Imaging is used to define the extent of the disease, particularly at the base of the skull. MRI is the reference examination for assessing invasion of the skull base and perineural spread, while PET-CT is preferred for identifying nodal and distant metastases.