Transnasal endoscopic resection of a nasopharyngeal pleomorphic adenoma: a rare case report

Pleomorphic adenoma (PA) is the most common benign tumor of the major and minor salivary glands, but rarely found in the nasopharynx. A PA originating from the left lateral wall of the nasopharynx was found in a 52-year-old female who presented with nasal obstruction, left-side otalgia, aural fullness, tinnitus and subjective hearing loss. It was successfully removed by transnasal endoscopic surgery (TES) and navigator system assessed our location, due to the proximity of critical anatomic structures such as the left internal carotid. We believe that the TES for primary and recurrent nasopharyngeal benign tumors is feasible and safe in properly selected patients, due to superior functional and cosmetic results and a low complication rate. Tumor characteristics and location should be taken into account when selecting cases for the right procedure for this lesions; transnasal endoscopic surgery is safe and preferable, carrying less potential morbidity compared to open procedures.