EBV-positive large-cell and small-cell neuroendocrine carcinoma of the nasopharynx: A case report and review of the literature

Neuroendocrine carcinoma (NEC) of the nasopharynx is rare and its clinical and pathologic characteristics have remained to be fully elucidated. The present study reported on a case of Epstein-Barr virus (EBV)-positive NEC of the nasopharynx that exhibited features of large-cell NEC and small-cell NEC, as confirmed by immunohistochemical staining. The patient received three cycles of induction chemotherapy (with docetaxel-cisplatin) that was followed by concurrent chemoradiotherapy (a total of 70 Gy delivered in 33 fractions). Remission of the tumor was achieved and no recurrence or metastasis was detected 6 months after treatment. This is the first report of a patient with EBV-positive large-cell and small-cell NEC of the nasopharynx. The patient achieved good complete remission. Based on the features of this case and a literature review, it was concluded that immunohistochemical staining is important for the differential diagnosis of NEC. Furthermore, there is currently no standard treatment and thus, further clinical information on similar cases is required to optimize treatment outcomes.