Exp Clin Endocrinol Diabetes 2008; 116(2): 129-131
DOI: 10.1055/s-2007-990277
Case report

© J. A. Barth Verlag in Georg Thieme Verlag KG Stuttgart · New York

A Patient with a “Good Nose”

L. Sze 1 , C. Fretz 2 , G. Hildebrandt 3 , K. Westphal 4 , M. Brändle 1
  • 1Division of Endocrinology and Diabetes, Kantonsspital St. Gallen, St. Gallen, Switzerland
  • 2Department of Radiology, Kantonsspital St. Gallen, St. Gallen, Switzerland
  • 3Department of Neurosurgery, Kantonsspital St. Gallen, St. Gallen, Switzerland
  • 4Otorhinolaryngology practice, Heerbrugg, Switzerland
Further Information

Publication History

received 23.04.2007 first decision 14.06.2007

accepted 23.08.2007

Publication Date:
20 December 2007 (online)

Abstract

We report on a 33-year-old man who underwent an odyssey of doctors for investigation of dysphagia. Eventually, a nasopharyngeal mass was found by several otorhinolaryngologists who repeatedly recommended biopsy or excision, because a polyp or fibroma was assumed on nasal endoscopy and MR imaging. However, we finally diagnosed the nasopharyngeal mass to be an ectopic pituitary gland after thorough clinical (cleft lip and palate) and radiological re-examination. Literally, the patient had a “good nose”, since he refused manipulations on the nasopharyngeal tumour and assumably prevented inadvertent hypopituitarism. We conclude that biopsy or excision of nasopharyngeal masses should always be considered carefully, especially in patients with facial anomalies.

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Correspondence

Dr. L. Sze

Diabetes & Obesity Research Program

Garvan Institute of Medical Research

384 Victoria Street

Darlinghurst

Sydney

2010 NSW

Australia

Phone: +61/2/9295 82 14

Fax: +61/2/9295 84 81

Email: lisa.sze@bluewin.ch