Nasopharyngeal pleomorphic adenoma presenting as otitis media with effusion: Case report and literature review

Abstract

Most tumors arising in the nasopharynx are malignant and frequently develop otitis media with effusion (OME). On the contrary, benign nasopharyngeal tumors are very rare, and pleomorphic adenoma, which is a benign mixed tumor of the nasopharynx, is also rarely encountered. We herein report a case of nasopharyngeal pleomorphic adenoma which initially presented as OME. This tumor completely blocked the orifice of the Eustachian tube but was removed by a combination of transnasal and transoral endoscopic resection. A defect in the mucous membrane was covered with polyglycolic acid sheet and fibrin glue. Mucous membrane completely covered the exposed tubal cartilage without adhesion near the tubal orifice. OME and hearing loss completely subsided 3months after the surgery. She was disease-free 2years after the surgery. Use of polyglycolic acid sheet could be a feasible mesh for closure of surgical defect without scarring, and it also led to healing of OME.