We report a case of unilateral tonsillar lymphoepithelioma with extension into the ipsilateral parapharyngeal space, and we review the clinical, histologic, and radiographic findings of the case. The patient presented with a tonsillar mass that was confirmed on biopsy to be lymphoepithelioma. Computed tomography demonstrated ipsilateral parapharyngeal space involvement. Association with Epstein-Barr virus was not assessed since it does not affect the treatment modality. We also review the literature and discuss the diagnosis and current treatment options.
References
1.
FrankDK, CheronF, ChoH, Nonnasopharyngeal lymphoepitheliomas (undifferentiated carcinomas) of the upper aerodigestive tract. Ann Otol Rhinol Laryngol1995;104(4 Pt 1):305–10.
2.
GilbertJG. Bilateral lymphoepithelioma of the tonsils. J Laryngol Otol1974;88(6):569–70.
3.
AhujaAT, TeoPM, ToKF, Palatal lymphoepitheliomas and a review of the head and neck lymphoepitheliomas. Clin Radiol1999;54(5):289–93.
4.
StanleyRJ, WeilandLH, DeSantoLW, NeelHB3rd. Lymphoepithelioma (undifferentiated carcinoma) of the laryngohypopharynx. Laryngoscope1985;95(9 Pt 1):1077–81.
5.
TokerC, PetersonDW. Lymphoepithelioma of the vocal cord. Arch Otolaryngol1978;104(3):161–2.
6.
SatyanarayanaS, PathakSD, SaraswatV, Tracheal lymphoepithelioma-like carcinoma: A case report. Indian J Cancer2002;39(3):112–15.
7.
EvansAT, GuthrieW.Lymphoepithelioma-like carcinoma of the uvula and soft palate: A rare lesion in an unusual site. Histopathology1991;19(2):184–6.
8.
DubeyP, HaCS, AngKK, Nonnasopharyngeal lymphoepithelioma of the head and neck. Cancer1998;82(8):1556–62.
9.
HidakaH, NakamuraN, AsanoS, A case of lymphoepithelioma-like carcinoma arising from the palatine tonsil. Tohoku J Exp Med2002 Oct; 198(2):133–40.
