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Head and Neck Pathology
Published in: Head and Neck Pathology 3/2019

01-09-2019 | Original Paper

Epstein–Barr Virus-Positive Large Cell Neuroendocrine Carcinoma of the Nasopharynx: Report of One Case and Review of the Literature

Published in: Head and Neck Pathology | Issue 3/2019

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Abstract

Epstein–Barr Virus (EBV)-positive neuroendocrine carcinoma (NEC) of the nasopharynx is exceedingly rare, only two cases have been reported in the literature. While EBV infection is strongly associated with nasopharyngeal carcinoma, which is carcinoma with squamous differentiation, the link between EBV and NEC is not well known, and can be diagnostically challenging. In this study, we report the third case of EBV-positive large cell NEC of nasopharynx with neck lymph node metastasis. The patient was treated with combined radiation and chemotherapy and showed complete clinical and radiological response. Similar treatment response has been reported in another patient with high stage EBV-positive large cell NEC, suggesting that EBV status is an important prognostic factor. Recognition of this rare tumor is important for disease management and patient prognosis. We also review the literature about the clinical and pathologic presentation of neuroendocrine tumors of nasopharynx.
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Metadata
Title
Epstein–Barr Virus-Positive Large Cell Neuroendocrine Carcinoma of the Nasopharynx: Report of One Case and Review of the Literature
Publication date
01-09-2019
Published in
Head and Neck Pathology / Issue 3/2019
Electronic ISSN: 1936-0568
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1007/s12105-018-0963-x

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